A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY ON DISTRIBUTION OF REFRACTIVE ERRORS

 ABSTRACT

Refractive error is defined as the inability of images to focus properly on the retina. In an emmetropic eye, incident parallel rays of light are brought to focus on the retina, while in Ametropia (absence of emmetropia), incident parallel rays of light are brought to focus behind or in front of the retina. It can be corrected by the use of spectacle lenses, contact lenses or surgical means. The purpose of the study was to determine the distribution and prevalence of refractive error among patients who visited the University of Benin Optometry clinic from 2018 – 2022. Available record files of patients that visited the clinic during this time period were collected and sorted into two groups, those diagnosed with refractive errors and those diagnosed without refractive error (pathological cases). Those without refractive error were excluded from the study while those with refractive error were included in the study.  They were further separated into five groups; Hyperopia, myopia, hyperopic astigmatism, myopic astigmatism and simple astigmatism. 1050 case (2100 eyes) with refractive error seen within the period. Data obtained was analysed using descriptive statistic/chi-square of the software Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0.  The results showed that hyperopia is the commonest type of refractive error (23.3%), followed by hyperopic astigmatism (23.1%), simple astigmatism (22.9%), myopic astigmatism (16.6%) and myopia (14.1%). The gender distribution shows 38.1% were males while 61.9% were females. In conclusion, refractive errors are common eye conditions and Optometrists should plan effective methods for early detection and correction of refractive error to reduce incidence of visual impairment due to uncorrected refractive error.