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Near visual impairment and spectacle coverage in Telangana, India
Author(s) -
Marmamula Srinivas,
Khanna Rohit C,
Kunuku Eswararao,
Rao Gullapalli N
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
clinical and experimental ophthalmology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.3
H-Index - 74
eISSN - 1442-9071
pISSN - 1442-6404
DOI - 10.1111/ceo.12943
Subject(s) - medicine , visual impairment , confidence interval , optometry , visual acuity , near vision , ophthalmology , psychiatry
Importance The study highlights the burden of near visual impairment (NVI) in India. Background NVI is a common condition that can be addressed through provision of spectacles. The study aims to assess the prevalence of NVI and spectacle coverage among those aged ≥40 years in south Indian state of Telangana. Design Population‐based cross‐sectional study using a rapid assessment methodology. Participants Five thousand one hundred forty participants enumerated from 123 clusters in two districts and have presenting distance visual acuity of ≥6/18 in the better eye. Methods Presenting near vision was assessed binocularly at a fixed distance of 40 cm using a log MAR chart with tumbling E optotypes in ambient lighting conditions. If the presenting near vision was worse than 6/12 (log MAR 0.3), then it was re‐assessed with addition lens appropriate to the age. NVI was defined as binocular presenting near vision worse than 6/12. Main Outcome Measures Prevalence of NVI and spectacle coverage. Results The mean age of the participants was 51.1 years (standard deviation: 9.3 years), and 46.5% ( n = 2392) were women. About 80% ( n = 4142) of them had no education, and 21.9% ( n = 1126) were using spectacles for near vision. Nearly half of the participants were from Adilabad district ( n = 2665). The prevalence of NVI was 58.3% (95% confidence interval: 56.9–59.6). NVI was associated with older age groups, male gender and no education. The spectacle coverage was 26.5%. Conclusions and relevance NVI is common in rural Telangana with low spectacle coverage. Service delivery programs should use a multi‐pronged approach to address the burden of NVI.