Perception of Refractive Errors and Impact of Corrective Treatments on Adult Patients Seen at a Tertiary Health Institution in South-South Nigeria

Abstract

Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive study of 650 consecutive patients aged 18 years and above who have been diagnosed with refractive errors. They were interviewed using pretested, interviewer-administered questionnaires made up of both open and closed ended questions. Data were gotten and analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) for IBM (version 20, SPSS Inc, Chicago, IL, USA) after due ethical clearance and informed consent. Results were displayed using descriptive statistics and Chi square test was used to assess for relationship between categorical variables.

Barriers and Perception Towards Spectacle Wear among Student Population of University of Buraimi, Oman

“…6,10,11,22 Moreover, as a member of the WHO's global eye health action plan 2014-19, there was a need to generate the evidence for the prevalence and the reasons of visual impairment and apply the costeffective strategies to achieve the goal of reduction in avoidable blindness by 25% by the end of 2019. 6,20 As observed in the current study's results, though a higher percentage of the population was found to have a positive perception towards spectacle wear, there is a scope for exploring and rectifying the factors contributing to having a negative perception. A prior study within Oman observed inadequate knowledge about the common ocular condition causing visual impairment among the Omani adult population, and a holistic approach is recommended to improve the national eye healthcare system output.…”

“…19 In contrast to the negative perceptions observed in these studies, in a study conducted among the adult African population, 2.8% of the participants with refractive error preferred using spectacles because they caused an impression of intelligence among peers. 20 The current fashion trends were also observed to be responsible for spectacle wear. 20 In Felix and Ebenezer's study, 57.2% of the studied population believed that spectacles made the individual look professional.…”

“…20 The current fashion trends were also observed to be responsible for spectacle wear. 20 In Felix and Ebenezer's study, 57.2% of the studied population believed that spectacles made the individual look professional. 1 As expected, the student participants in the current study who were majoring in health sciences had a positive perception of spectacle wear (P = 0.012).…”

“…Etim et al observed that inconvenience towards spectacle wear was one of the factors reducing the quality of life among a population with refractive error compared to other modalities such as contact lenses or refractive surgeries. 20 As the eye healthcare system is evolving towards a holistic approach rather than alleviating the patient's symptoms, a similar approach needs to be implemented while providing a spectacle prescription addressing the patient's concerns. 6,21 In line with the national goal of Vision 2050 set by Oman, and due to change in the ocular disease scenario from earlier infectious to non-infectious over the last few decades, revisions in the health system are needed.…”

Spectacle adherence and barriers towards spectacle wear among primary school going children

“…8 The acceptance of refractive services has been demonstrated to be significantly influenced by lack of knowledge, stigma, and irrational beliefs about refractive problems across many continents. 10 The study of knowledge and attitude in a population is crucial for reducing this impact through early diagnosis and the referral of schoolchildren to eye care services by school teachers. 5 The act of wearing the recommended eyewear correction on a regular basis is referred to as compliance with spectacles.…”