By Bongajum Abel Keelen, student of the Master in Clinical Optometry and Vision Therapy

Abstract

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of refractive errors in Magrabi ICO Cameroon Eye Institute (MICEI), Yaounde.

Methods:

In this cross-sectional retrospective hospital-based study, refractive errors were measured with an autorefractor and a retinoscope in a population aged 7 years old and above segregated into three groups, 7-15 years, 16-30 years and above 30 years conducted at Magrabi ICO Cameroon eye institute in 2023.

Results:

Out of the 3971 patients sorted, 3964 were eligible with 1550 males (39%) and 2421 females (61%). In this population, 728 children (7-15) years, adolescents (1405) and 1831 adults were consulted. The prevalence of myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism were 4.5%, 33.4%, and 62.1% respectively. Age distribution of refractive errors were as follows; 7-15 years 16.6%, 16-30 years 35.6%, and more than 30 years 47.8% with the prevalence higher in females than males of the same age group.

Conclusion:

The prevalence of astigmatism is relatively high in Magrabi ICO Cameroon Eye Institute, Yaounde followed by hyperopia while myopia is the least. Despite this, myopia seems to have a rapid increase from children (7-15) years to adolescents (16-30) years which could be a great concern knowing the other complications associated with myopia progression.

Keywords:

Cameroon, Yaounde, refractive errors, myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, prevalence, visual impairment, cycloplegia.

Download the full Research Work: Keelen, B. A. (2024). Prevalence of refractive errors in Magrabi ICO Cameroon Eye Institute Yaounde. SAERA