ABSTRACT
Ageing is a primary risk factor for the development and progression of many eye conditions. Studies show that the prevalence of conditions such as cataract, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, etc, increases with age. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between age and vision loss in a selected population (40years and above) of Oredo Local Government Area, Benin City. A retrospective study in which all case records of patients 40years and above whom visited selected clinics were carefully reviewed. From these case notes, data such as age, sex, levels of vision loss, laterality of vision loss, causes of vision loss and presenting distance visual acuity was obtained. Then, levels of vision loss was classified into; mild visual impairment, moderate visual impairment, severe visual impairment and blindness. Analysis was by means of simple tables and bar charts showing frequencies and percentages. Relationship between age group and vision status was tested using Chi-square. Of the 410 case records that were reviewed, there were 152 (37. 1%) males and 258 (62.9%) females and the mean age was 61.39years and SD of ±13.28years. 301 (75.4%) were visually impaired. This includes those with severe visual impairment 50 (12.2%), moderate visual impairment 112 (27.3), and mild visual impairment 147 (35.9%). 101 (24.6%) were found to be blind. Increasing age was associated with blindness as there was found to be increasing occurrence of blindness in relation to increasing age. Most common cause of vision loss was cataract (40.7%), refractive error (38.3%) and glaucoma (20%).
Keywords: Age, vision loss, age-related,
