Ocular Health Status and Causes of Enrolment into Special Schools in Osun State, Nigeria

Background Knowledge of the status of eye diseases among students’ enrolled in the special schools would assist in planning preventive and treatment strategies. Objectives To determine the types and causes of ocular morbidity leading to enrolment of students in special schools of Osun state. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study by utilizing a total-sampling-technique on students attending all 8 special primary and integrated secondary schools to find out the common ophthalmic diseases between July and September 2013. Teachers’ registers, oral interview and clinical examination were used to obtain data. The data were analyzed by descriptive statistics through SPSS 17 software. Results Four hundred and seventy-two (472) students between the ages of 4 and 36 years with mean of 13.7 ± 4.7 were examined. Two hundred and seventy-six (58.5%) were males and one hundred-ninety- six were females. Fathers’ occupation were mostly farmers 142 (30.1%) and Artisans 133 (28.2%). Abnormal ocular findings were seen in 9.9% of students. The prevalence of blindness was 4.7% [95% Confidence Interval (CI) 2.7 - 6.6]. Anatomical causes of blindness were corneal scarring (2.1%) especially post measles keratopathy, whole globe disorders (1.1%), toxoplasma chorioretinal scars and maculopathies (0.6%), amblyopia/uncorrected refractive errors (0.4%) and cortical visual impairment (0.2% ). The prevalence of visual impairment was 1.4% [CI 0.0 -1.7], with cataracts and refractive error being the most common causes. Other findings included nystagmus (0.2%), vernal conjunctivitis (0.4%), and pigmentary retinopathy (4.2%). Ocular pathologies occurred most frequently among the lower socio-economic group (χ² 169.69, P < 0.001). Conclusions The common causes of ocular diseases leading to enrolment are avoidable. Mandatory eye examination at birth, preschool years and school age is needed for early detection and intervention. Health education, adequate nutrition, and immunization are required for prevention.