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Prevalence and predictors of refractive error and spectacle coverage in Nakuru, Kenya: a cross-sectional, population-based study

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Abstract

A cross-sectional study was undertaken in Nakuru, Kenya to assess the prevalence of refractive error and the spectacle coverage in a population aged ≥50 years. Of the 5,010 subjects who were eligible, 4,414 underwent examination (response rate 88.1 %). LogMAR visual acuity was assessed in all participants and refractive error was measured in both eyes using a Topcon auto refractor RM8800. Detailed interviews were undertaken and ownership of spectacles was assessed. Refractive error was responsible for 51.7 % of overall visual impairment (VI), 85.3 % (n = 191) of subjects with mild VI, 42.7 % (n = 152) of subjects with moderate VI, 16.7 % (n = 3) of subjects with severe VI and no cases of blindness. Myopia was more common than hyperopia affecting 59.5 % of those with refractive error compared to 27.4 % for hyperopia. High myopia (<−5.0 DS) was also more common than extreme hyperopia (>+5.0 DS). Of those who needed distance spectacles (spectacle coverage), 25.5 % owned spectacles. In conclusion, the oldest, most poor and least educated are most likely to have no spectacles and they should be specifically targeted when refractive services are put in place.

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Acknowledgments

Supported by grants from the British Council for the Prevention of Blindness (BCPB) and the Fred Hollows Foundation [Wanjiku Mathenge]. Andrew Bastawrous is funded by a Medical Research Council and Fight for Sight Fellowship and is in receipt of an International Glaucoma Association Award and a BCPB pump-priming grant.

Conflict of interest

The authors have no proprietary or commercial interest in any of the materials discussed in this article.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. International Centre for Eye Health, Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK

    Andrew Bastawrous, Wanjiku Mathenge, Allen Foster & Hannah Kuper

  2. Department of Ophthalmology, Kigali Health Institute, Avenue de l’Armée, P.O. Box 3286, Kigali, Rwanda

    Wanjiku Mathenge

  3. The Fred Hollows Foundation-Eastern Africa, P.O. BOX 8683, Nairobi, 00200, Kenya

    Wanjiku Mathenge

  4. International Centre for Evidence in Disability, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK

    Hannah Kuper

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  1. Andrew Bastawrous
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  2. Wanjiku Mathenge
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  3. Allen Foster
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  4. Hannah Kuper
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Correspondence to Andrew Bastawrous.

Additional information

Andrew Bastawrous, Wanjiku Mathenge, Hannah Kuper Joint First Authors.

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Bastawrous, A., Mathenge, W., Foster, A. et al. Prevalence and predictors of refractive error and spectacle coverage in Nakuru, Kenya: a cross-sectional, population-based study. Int Ophthalmol 33, 541–548 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10792-013-9742-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10792-013-9742-6

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