The prevalence and causes of low vision and blindness amongst learners at the Akropong School for the Blind in Ghana

Abstract

Background: Low vision and blindness have significant implications, resulting in a generally reduced quality of life amongst the sufferers. Aim:To determine the prevalence and causes of low vision and blindness amongst learners at the Akropong School for the Blind. Setting:The study was conducted in Akropong School for the Blind, Ghana. Methods:A cross-sectional study design was used. Eye examinations included measurements of presenting distance visual acuity (PDVA) with the Tumbling 'E' distance LogMAR chart. Anterior and posterior segments were examined with an ophthalmoscope and a slit lamp.Results: Two hundred and sixty-eight (N = 268) learners comprising 157 (58.6%) males and 111 (41.4%) females took part in this study and their ages ranged from 4 to 43 years (mean and standard deviation [SD] = 15.79 ± 6.15 years). The results indicated that 76.1% were classified as blind and 23.9% of the learners had low vision. The leading cause of low vision was glaucoma (39.1%) followed by pseudophakia (21.9%) and retinopathy (18.8%). The most common causes of low vision and blindness based on pathology found on ocular anatomical structures were corneal opacity/phthisis bulbi (35.5%), followed by glaucoma (25%), cataract (13.4%) and retinopathy (10.8%). Conclusion:The leading causes of low vision and blindness identified in this study were because of avoidable diseases such as corneal opacity/phthisis bulbi and glaucoma. This highlighted the need for adequate primary eye care services, equitable eye health workforce distribution and eye health awareness in Ghana to help prevent low vision and blindness.

Psychological Factors Associated With Visual Impairment

“…Students with visual impairments also scored higher on total perceived social support scores than their sighted peers. Gender distribution of the group with visual impairment corroborates the outcome of a similar study by Kwarteng et al (2021). The variance in age observed between the sighted and the group with visual impairment indicates delayed school enrollment among students with visual impairments.…”

Prevalence and causes of visual impairment amongst hearing impaired school-going children in sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review

“…This result is similar to the age range of learners in schools for the blind in Africa, particularly Ghana and Nigeria, due to the late start of school, inadequate support from family, and academic challenges which retard academic progress. 41 In terms of sex distribution, five of the studies had more male than female learners, which possibly reflects the trend in Ghana and Nigeria where male learners are more likely to be in school than females due to culture and traditions. This trend is similar to reports among learners with hearing impairment in Asia 11 and also learners with other disabilities in Africa 41 .…”

“… 41 In terms of sex distribution, five of the studies had more male than female learners, which possibly reflects the trend in Ghana and Nigeria where male learners are more likely to be in school than females due to culture and traditions. This trend is similar to reports among learners with hearing impairment in Asia 11 and also learners with other disabilities in Africa 41 . In contrast, Osiayuwu and Ebeigbe 33 , and Onakpoya and Omotoye 34 reported more females than males in their study.…”

Impact of spectacle wear on the quality of life of learners with hearing impairment in Ghana

“…Visual impairment (VI) among learners with hearing impairment (HI) in sub-Saharan Africa is high, ranging from 2.2% to 34.6%. 1,2 Visual impairment affects learners' social, physical and psychological well-being, reducing their quality of life (QoL) compared to their colleagues without VI. 3,4 The negative impact of VI may lead to a loss in career, education and economic opportunities for persons with VI and their families.…”