Prevalence and Aetiology of Visual Impairment and Blindness in Persons with HIV/AIDS on Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Therapy in Benin City, Nigeria.

Background: The use of Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Therapy (HAART) has revolutionized the course and pattern of eye diseases in persons with HIV/AIDS which ultimately affects the visual status.

Objective: To determine the prevalence and etiology of visual impairment and blindness in people with HIV/AIDS on HAART in Benin City, Nigeria.

Methodology: This was a descriptive hospital-based study on all HIV/AIDS patients on HAART in the United States President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) clinics of University of Benin Teaching Hospital seen from July to August 2018 and Central Hospital, Benin City in October 2019. Demographic data and other relevant questions related to the disease were obtained from participants and recorded in an interviewer administered questionnaire. Participants were examined and ocular findings recorded. The IBM SPSS software version 21 was used for data analysis and level of significance set at p<0.05.

Results: There were 451 persons comprising 104 (23.1%) males and 347 (76.9%) females. More participants, 176(39%) were within the age group 41-50 years, with a mean age of 46.6± 10.78 years, and age range of 14-75 years. Visual impairment was present in 105 (23.3%), blindness in 10 (2.2%) and 336(74.5%) had normal visual acuity. Refractive error was the most common cause of mild 34 (29.6%) and moderate 23(20%) visual impairment. Cataract 4(3.5%) was the predominant cause of blindness. There was no case of severe visual impairment recorded.

Conclusion: The major causes of visual impairment and blindness in persons with HIV are not HIV-related diseases which may be an indication of improved management protocols.