OPHTHALMIC DISORDERS AMONG STUDENTS OF SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF

Aim: This study aimed at determining the prevalence and pattern of ophthalmic disorders among students of School for the Deaf, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria.Methodology: This is a cross sectional descriptive study was conducted in October, 2011 as part of activities marking the Annual Physicians’ week of Nigerian Medical Association (NMA),Ondo State. Ethical clearance was obtained from the Ethical Review Committee of Federal Medical Centre, Owo prior to commencement of this study. The permission of the School Authority was also obtained before the commencement of this study. The respondents were selected by simple random sampling technique. All enrolled participants were interviewed with the aid of the study instrument (questionnaire) by the authors and interpreters (school teachers).Results: The respondents comprised of 91(56.9%) Males and 69 Females (43.1%). Nearly all the respondents;158(98.8%) were deaf and dumb. Most respondents; 116(72.5%) had ocular examination in the past. Few respondents; 118(73.75%) had ophthalmic disorder. The commonest ophthalmic disorder was refractive error which was found in 16 respondents (38.1%). Myopia was diagnosed in 9 respondents.CONCLUSION: Most of the respondents were deaf and dumb. Few respondents had ophthalmic disorder. The commonest ophthalmic disorder was refractive error. Myopia was the most predominant refractive error. There is need for periodic ocular screening and treatment atthe School for the Deaf.