Abstract
Aim –
To highlight the gender specific characteristics and impact of presbyopia on vision related quality of life among the participants
Methodology –
This was a cross sectional analytical survey in which 1047 persons ≥ 35 years were examined in a multistage random sampling with probability proportional to size. Near and distance visual acuity was assessed, anterior and posterior segment examinations and near refraction done. Participants who could not read N8 at 40cm with distance correction in place were adjudged presbyopic and offered near spectacles where applicable. Data was entered into a standard pre tested questionnaire which contained sections on demographic variables, distant and near vision examination, and visual function (VF 14)
Results –
One thousand and forty out of 1082 enumerated participants were examined (96.7% response rate which was considered high) with a mean age of participants of 48.2 years ± 8.194 SD (age range of 35–87 years). A significantly higher prevalence of presbyopia was noted in females relative to males (87.9% versus 82.9%) (P = 0.041) and a relatively higher diopteric power (p = 0.000), were obtained. Presbyopia had a significant negative impact on quality of life in the study population with 82.7%, 79.1% and 70.8 of participants reporting difficulty in reading prints, threading needles and operating mobile phones, respectively. Women were more likely to be unsatisfied with their vision related quality of life.
Conclusion –
Women had significantly higher prevalence of presbyopia, higher diopteric need per age group, and were more likely to be unsatisfied with their near vision. This should be borne in mind by stakeholders in planning for refraction and optical services within populations.