ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The human eye relies on a complex interplay of biological processes, with proper nutrition playing a key role in maintaining ocular health and preventing complications. Nutrients such as vitamins A, C, and E, carotenoids, omega3 fatty acids, and zinc have been shown to reduce the risk of age-related eye diseases like macular degeneration, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy. As age-related diseases increase with aging, ensuring adequate nutrition becomes critical in preventing vision loss. In Nigeria, where access to quality eye care is limited, emphasizing nutrition, early detection, and preventative measures can help reduce the burden of ocular diseases and prevent blindness, particularly in vulnerable populations. OBJECTIVES: In this study, we sought to assess the knowledge of nutrition on eye health, dietary pattern of ophthalmic patients, association between dietary factors and risk of eye conditions, and the prevalence of common eye diseases among patients attending ophthalmology clinic in University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Edo State. METHODOLOGY: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used. The study was carried out among patients attending ophthalmology clinic in University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Edo State from September 2023 to September 2024. The sample size was calculated using Cochran’s formula for descriptive studies and a systematic random sampling technique was utilized for the study. The research instrument used for collecting data was a structured questionnaire containing both open and closed-ended questions. Data was analyzed using the IBM SPSS version 25.0 and the level of significance was set at p < 0.05. Data was presented using prose, frequency tables, and graphs. Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethics and Research Committee, University of Benin Teaching Hospital. xiii RESULT: A total of 400 respondents participated in this study with mean age ± SD (34.83+13.60). Majority of respondents, 349 (87.3%), reported having heard that nutrition affects the eye. However, they lacked appropriate knowledge on food sources of specific beneficial nutrients to the eye. Level of education (p = 0.001) and occupational skill level (p = 0.007) were significantly associated with the knowledge of respondents. Most respondents had good dietary pattern and there was no significant association between dietary habits and risk of eye conditions. On the prevalence of eye conditions, myopia was the most commonly reported eye condition, affecting 136 (34.0%) individuals, followed by astigmatism with 72 (18.0%) and glaucoma with 46 (11.5%). CONCLUSION: The study found that ophthalmic patients had poor knowledge of the relationship between nutrition and eye health, despite the important role diet plays in maintaining vision. However, most participants reported good dietary patterns, consuming nutrient-rich foods beneficial for eye health. There was no significant association between nutrient deficiencies and the development of specific eye conditions, with refractive errors being the most commonly reported condition among respondents. Keywords: nutrition, eye health, ophthalmic patients, dietary patterns, refractive errors, nutrient deficiency.
