Pattern of Ocular Morbidities Among First Year Students in a Public University in Ghana

¹Department of Optometry and Visual Science, B21 COS Building, KNUST-Kumasi.

Corresponding Author:Bright Asare-Bediako, Department of Optometry and Visual Science, B21 COS Building, KNUST-Kumasi,
Tel: +233547494802; E-Mail: [email protected]

Received Date: 15 Jun 2016   
Accepted Date: 21 Jul 2016   
Published Date: 01 Aug 2016

Copyright © 2016 Asare-Bediako B

Citation: Asare-Bediako B, Abdul-Kabir M, Kumah DB, Bempong BB, et al. (2016). Pattern of Ocular Morbidities Among First Year Students in a Public University in Ghana. Mathews J Ophthalmol. 1(1): 005.

ABSTRACT

Background:Studies have shown that ocular morbidities are a major public health problem in developing countries like Ghana. Information on ocular morbidity among university students is limited in literature. This study sought to outline the pattern of ocular conditions affecting first year students in a public university in Ghana.

Methods:229 students were sampled. Eye examination procedures included history taking, visual acuity measurement, pinhole acuity test, non-cycloplegic refraction, external eye examination, anterior and posterior segment examinations. Statistical analysis was done using STATA. P-values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results:204 students took part in the study, with a male to female ratio of 4:1. The prevalence of ocular conditions among the students was 39.22%, with the most prevalent being allergic conjunctivitis (13.24%), followed by refractive error (12.75%), then others and bacterial conjunctivitis with 12.25% and 0.98% respectively. The mean age was 20.56 ± 1.51 years. Only 10.29% had had an eye examination within less than a year, and 40.69% of the students had never had an ocular examination before.

Conclusion:The prevalence of ocular morbidity was high. Public health efforts should be instituted so that at least first year students admitted into the university for each academic year undergo a comprehensive eye examination.

Last Eye Examination; First Year Students; Public University.