Prevalence of presbyopia and spectacle coverage in an African population in Durban, South Africa.

Purpose: To assess the prevalence of near vision impairment caused by uncorrected presbyopia and to determine the spectacle coverage for presbyopia in Durban, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa.

Methods: A cross-sectional community-based survey was conducted to determine the prevalence of presbyopia in Durban. Eighteen clusters were randomly selected from the suburbs of Durban--Inanda, Ntuzuma, and KwaMashu. Adults over 35 years of age were enumerated through a door-to-door method using aged-based sampling. Respondents were interviewed and then underwent standardized clinical eye examinations. Spectacle coverage was determined. Applying multivariate logistic regressions, the strengths of association of presbyopia and spectacle coverage with the participants' demographic profile were determined.

Results: A total of 2764 participants were enumerated while 1939 (70.2%) were examined with a median age of 52 years (interquartile range 45, 60). The prevalence of presbyopia was 77.0% (95% confidence interval [CI] 74.3%-79.2%), significantly higher in those 50-64 years old (OR 10.2, 95% CI 5.3-19.6) and 65-79 years old (OR 10.7, 95% CI 3.2-35.6) and significantly lower in those who had secondary and higher education (p < 0.05). The spectacle coverage for presbyopia was 4.84% (95% CI 3.35%-6.33%), significantly higher in those who were 65-79 years old (OR 4.4, 95% CI 1.5-12.9) and 50-64 years old (OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.1-6.1).

Conclusions: This study indicated that there is a high prevalence of presbyopia in the study area, with low spectacle coverage, and therefore suggests that uncorrected presbyopia is a major public health concern. The findings of this study may help in making recommendations for strategic planning for eye health intervention efforts.