AI Article Synopsis

  • The 2019 Gambia National Eye Health Survey aimed to assess the current state of eye health in the population, building on findings from previous surveys in 1986 and 1996.
  • A total of 10,800 adults aged 35 and older were randomly sampled and undergone comprehensive eye examinations to determine the prevalence and causes of vision impairment (VI).
  • Results indicated significant progress in reducing blindness rates since 1996, but an increase in moderate or severe visual impairment highlights the need for ongoing efforts in eye health services.

Article Abstract

Background/aims: The 1986 Gambia National Eye Health Survey provided baseline data for a National Eye Health Programme. A second survey in 1996 evaluated changes in population eye health a decade later. We completed a third survey in 2019, to determine the current state of population eye health, considering service developments and demographic change.

Methods: We estimated prevalence and causes of vision impairment (VI) in a nationally representative population-based sample of adults 35 years and older. We used multistage cluster random sampling to sample 10 800 adults 35 and above in 360 clusters of 30. We measured monocular distance visual acuity (uncorrected and with available correction) using Peek Acuity. Participants with either eye uncorrected or presenting (with available correction) acuity <6/12 were retested with pinhole and refraction, and dilated exams were completed on all eyes by ophthalmologists using a direct ophthalmoscope, slit lamp and 90 D lens.

Results: We examined 9188 participants (response rate 83%). The 2013 census age-sex adjusted prevalence of blindness (presenting acuity<3/60 in better seeing eye) was 1.2% (95% CI 0.9 to 1.4) and of moderate or severe VI (MSVI,<6/18 to ≥3/60) was 8.9% (95% CI 9.1 to 9.7). Prevalence of all distance VI (<6/12) was 13.4% (12.4-14.4). Compared with 1996, the relative risk of blindness decreased (risk ratio 0.7, 95% CI 0.5 to 1.0) and MSVI increased (risk ratio 1.5, 95% CI 1.2 to 0.17).

Conclusion: Significant progress has been made to reduce blindness and increase access to eye health across the Gambia, with further work is needed to decrease the risk of MSVI.

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Source
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10314069PMC
http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bjophthalmol-2021-320008DOI Listing

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