Prevalence of Ocular Morbidity and Causes of Visual Impairment among Elders in Geriatric Centres in Dares Salaam and Tanga

Abstract

Purpose: To assess the prevalence of ocular morbidity and causes of visual impairment among elders in geriatric centres in Dar es Salaam and Tanga regions in Tanzania.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among elders in six geriatric centres in Dar es Salaam and Tanga from 1st July to 31st December 2021. Consecutive sampling was used to obtain study participants to be enrolled in the study after obtaining their informed consent, and data were collected using researcher-administered questionnaires. Demographic information, clinical ocular history and assessment of visual acuity, intraocular pressure, refraction, anterior and posterior segment examination were carried out to ascertain various ocular morbidities. The collected data were analysed using SPSS version 23.

Results: This study involved 100 participants from six geriatric centres in Dar es Salaam and Tanga. Sixty-four percent were from 3 government geriatric centres, and 36% were from nongovernment geriatric centres. Slightly more than half (59%) of the participants were males. The mean age of the study participants was 75.20 years (SD 9.30 years). The prevalence of ocular morbidity was 100%, and the proportion of visual impairment was 58%. The most common causes of visual impairment were cataract in 32%, glaucoma in 11%, corneal scarring, optic atrophy and endophthalmitis each accounting for 3%. Advanced age was significantly associated with visual impairment, and a history of eye checkups was associated with lower odds of visual impairment.

Conclusion and Recommendations: Ocular morbidity among elderly individuals in geriatric Centres in Dar es Salaam and Tanga is high, and most of the participants have significant visual impairment and blindness, which is largely preventable and treatable. Screening for visual loss before entry into geriatric centres and provision of appropriate services will significantly help to reduce the burden of visual impairment among elderly individuals in geriatric centres in Tanzania.