Presbyopia and Near Spectacle Correction Coverage Among Public School Teachers in Ifo Township, South-West Nigeria

Background: Presbyopia is an age-related loss of lens accommodation resulting in difficulty in performing near task with attendant effect on the quality of life.

Objective: The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of presbyopia and presbyopic spectacle correction coverage among public school teachers in Ifo township, with a view to providing a baseline information that could be useful for advocacy and planning appropriate intervention.

Study Design: The study was a descriptive, cross-sectional study.

Materials And Methods: Six hundred public school teachers aged 30 years and above were examined in 25 clusters using a multistage random sampling technique with probability proportional to size. Questionnaire was used to obtain information on demographic data, sources of spectacle and barriers to spectacle use. All participants underwent a standardised protocol including visual acuity assessment (distance and near acuity), anterior and posterior segment examinations and refraction.

Results: Six hundred teachers were examined with an age range of 30-61 years. The mean age was 44.7 ± 7.5 years and the male to female ratio was 1:2.2. The prevalence of presbyopia was 81.3% and 38.5% of the presbyopic teachers did not have presbyopic correction. However, the average age of onset of presbyopia was earlier in females 33 years compared to 36 years observed in males, although not statistically significant (P = 0.88). The presbyopic correction coverage was 61.5%. One hundred and eighty-six (62%) presbyopic teachers obtained their spectacle from opticians, and the main barriers to the use of near vision spectacle were lack of awareness (23.7%) and cost (13.7%).

Conclusion: This study demonstrated a high prevalence of presbyopia among public school teachers in Ifo town, South-West Nigeria, but less presbyopic spectacle correction coverage.