Epidemiology of visual impairment: focus on Delta State, Nigeria

Authors

  • John E. Moyegbone Department of Public and Community Health, Novena University, Ogume, Nigeria
  • Ezekiel U. Nwose School of Community Health, Charles Sturt University, Orange, NSW Australia
  • Samuel D. Nwajei Department of Public and Community Health, Novena University, Ogume, Nigeria
  • Joseph O. Odoko Department of Public and Community Health, Novena University, Ogume, Nigeria
  • Emmanuel A. Agege Department of Public and Community Health, Novena University, Ogume, Nigeria
  • Eunice O. Igumbor Department of Public and Community Health, Novena University, Ogume, Nigeria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20204392

Keywords:

Visual impairment, Anaemia, Antioxidant vitamins, Nutritional status, Refractive error, Oxidative stress, Primary school age children

Abstract

The eyes being the most delicate organs as well as the window of the body to the world make it dysfunction a public health problem. The aim of this study is to review the epidemiology of visual impairment in relation to anaemia, antioxidant vitamins and nutritional status in order to identify and proffer appropriate solution to various factors associated with visual impairment. A systematic review and evaluation of published literatures globally, in sub Saharan Africa and in Nigeria was done through web search and Mendeley reference library. Findings showed that visual impairment increases with increase in age. Gender, race, geographical location, literacy level, income and culture are social demographic factors that influence visual impairment. Refractive error, cataract, glaucoma and age-related macula degeneration (ARMD) are the most common causes of visual impairment worldwide. Over 80% of visual impairment are preventable. Hence, early detection and prompt treatment especially at the primary health care level is the most effective ways to prevent visual impairment.

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Published

2020-09-25

How to Cite

Moyegbone, J. E., Nwose, E. U., Nwajei, S. D., Odoko, J. O., Agege, E. A., & Igumbor, E. O. (2020). Epidemiology of visual impairment: focus on Delta State, Nigeria. International Journal Of Community Medicine And Public Health, 7(10), 4171–4179. https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20204392

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Section

Review Articles