Purpose:To obtain baseline data and assess the level of awareness and attitudes towards glaucoma among rural communities of Osun State, Nigeria.Materials and Methods:This was a community-based study that involved interviews and descriptive cross-sectional analysis. Serial-recruitment was performed of consenting participants who presented at a community-based screening service in March 2011. Socio-demographic data and information about glaucoma were obtained through face-to-face semi-structured questionnaires.Results:The study population comprised 259 respondents (mean age 49.73 ± 16.6 years; range 18 to 90 years). There were 159 females (61.4%). Skilled workers were the most common 130/259 (50.3%) participants. Only 41 (15.8%; 95% CI: 11.4-20.2) participants had ever heard of glaucoma. Sources of information were from visits to an eye clinic for 21/41 (51.2%; 95% CI: 35.9-66.5) participants and 15/41 (36.6%) participants who know someone with glaucoma. Reponses to the causes of glaucoma included 20/41 (48.8%; 33.5-64.1) participant who said ‘I don't know’ and 24.4% of participants who responded ‘curse-from-God’. Responses to questions on treatment included 20/41 (48.8%) participants who responded ‘I don't know how it can be treated’ and 10/41 (36.6%) said ‘medically’. Thirty 30/41 (73.2%) participants would refuse surgery, half of them because ‘it cannot cure or reverse the disease’ while (26.7%) would refuse out of ‘fear’. Only 8/41 (19.5%; 95% CI: 7.4-31.6) would accept surgery for maintenance. Statistically significant predictors of glaucoma awareness were older participants, males and skilled workers (teachers) (P = 0.028, P = 0.018, P = 0.0001, respectively).Conclusions:The outcomes of study indicate a low level of awareness of glaucoma. Health education at all levels of health and eye care services is required to prevent ocular morbidity and irreversible blindness from glaucoma.

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Ocular bee sting injury has caused several reactions in the eye but has rarely been reported among local African farmers, and Nigerians in particular. This case seeks to report the first ocular and external eye reactions following a honey bee sting of the eye through the sclera, highlighting the treatment and outcome. Oral interview, clinical examination and external photographs were used to obtain and document findings. Medical treatment was instituted as soon as subject presented. There was complete inflammatory resolution within a week, normal vision and no evidence of stinger migration after four weeks of follow up. The wound site healed with ciliary staphyloma. The role of physical properties, immunological and genetics interplay and the presumed pathogenesis is further discussed. Health education on early presentation and avoidance of harmful traditional eye medications should be promoted among the farming populations in our communities, in order to prevent blinding complications

Introduction:There is a dearth of literature available on the effects of fasting on Intraocular pressure (IOP) among all races and worldwide.Objectives:To determine the effects of fasting on IOP in a black African population.Materials and Methods:A population-based survey utilizing multistage random sampling techniques was carried out among healthy adult Muslims who were examined before and during Ramadan fast in Osogbo, Nigeria. Demographics were obtained, visual acuities, clinical examination of both eyes, and IOPs were done. Weights and waist circumference were measured. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences ( SPSS) Version 16. Analysis generated frequencies and cross tabulations, whereas statistical significant values were derived using paired sample t-test and P < 0.05.Results:A total of 60 subjects with 120 eyes were examined. Mean age was 42.3 years standard deviation (SD) 16.7, and the male to female ratio was 3:2. Majority were professionals (33.3%). Only 18.3% had less than secondary school education. Over 90% had normal vision (6/5-6/18). Before and during fasting, the mean weights were 65.92 kg SD 12.98 and 65.29 kg SD 12.41 with a reduction of 0.63 kg SD 3.82 (P = 0.214, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.372-1.626); and the mean waist circumference was 87.20 cm SD 12.39 and 81.78 cm SD 11.65 (P = 0.000, 95% CI 4.128-6.720), respectively. Mean IOPs were 15.98 mmHg SD 3.11 and 14.08 mmHg SD 2.71 before and during fasting, respectively (P = 0.000, 95% CI 0.98558-2.82798).Conclusions:The study shows that fasting significantly reduced IOP in an ocularly healthy black African population.

The burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the world is enormous and growing, and the majority of those affected are in the developing countries (1,2). In 2002, it was estimated that 29% of deaths worldwide (16.7 million deaths) were due to CVD and that 43% of global morbidity and mortality, measured in disability-adjusted life years (DALYS) was caused by CVD (3). Furthermore, 78% of global mortality and 86% of mortality and morbidity from CVD occurs in developing countries (3). It is estimated that by 2020, CVD will become the leading cause of the global health burden, accounting for 73% of total global mortality and 56% of total morbidity (4,5). This global tide has also not spared Africa (6). In most African countries CVD is now the second most common cause of death after infectious disease, accounting for 11% of total deaths (7), and CVD is a major cause of chronic illness and disability (6). African countries therefore face a double burden of communicable diseases and CVD (6). Projections from the Global burden of Disease project suggest that from 1990 to 2020, the burden of CVD faced by African countries will double (6). A large proportion of the victims of CVD will be middle-aged people (6). The poor will be at the receiving end as a consequence of their higher disease risk and limited access to health care (6). The financial and social costs of this CVD epidemic are likely to have a negative impact on development and the alleviation of poverty (6). Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) is gradually becoming common so also are its risk factors. A Cameroonian study showed a coronary artery disease prevalence of 1.53% with Myocardial infarction (M1) being the most frequent (43%) (8). The cardiovascular risk factors were obesity (80%), Hypertension (60%), dyslipidaemia (43%), smoking (36%), diabetes/hyperglycaemia (26%), and hyperuricaemia (20%) (8). Multiple risk factors (at least 3) were found in 67% of these patients (8). CVD risk factors such as tobacco, refined foods and life styles are being exported to Africa through television and films by the developed countries in the name of globalization/civilization (2). Although the epidemic of CHD was heralded globally in the 1980s (9), in Africa, it is still being expected. The major modifiable risk factors are Hypertension (BP >140/90), Diabetes Mellitus (DM), Dyslipidaemia, Tobacco use, physical inactivity, obesity, unhealthy diets (10). Other modifiable risk factors were low socioeconomic status, mental ill health, psychosocial stress, alcohol use, use of certain medications e.g. oral contraception and hormone replacement therapy, lipoprotein, left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) (10), and use of cocaine (11). Non-modifiable risk factors are advancing age, heredity or family history, gender (male), ethnicity or race. The novel risk factors are excess homocysteine in blood, inflammation and abnormal blood coagulation (increase serum fibrinogen) (10). In recent times kidney disease has been identified as a risk factor for CVD (12). Proteinuria and elevation of the se...