DEPARTMENT OF OPTOMETRY

Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, and early detection is vital in preventing vision loss. Knowledge, attitude, and perception toward glaucoma influence early diagnosis and management. This study assessed the knowledge, attitude, and perception of glaucoma among students of the University of Benin. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 800 undergraduate students selected through stratified random sampling across 16 faculties. Participants comprised 432 males (54%) and 368 females (46%), aged 16–31 years (mean age 22.3 ± 2.7 years). Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed with SPSS version 25 using descriptive and Chi-square statistics at p < 0.05. Results showed that 97.8% of respondents were aware of glaucoma, mainly through the internet (48.8%). However, only 26.8% demonstrated good knowledge, while 37.9% and 35.4% had fair and poor knowledge, respectively. Faculty of study significantly influenced knowledge, perception, and screening attitude (p < 0.001), while gender and age did not. Although 80.2% of respondents showed positive treatment attitudes, 48.4% had never undergone an eye examination. Most students (81.8%) recognized glaucoma’s hereditary risk, and 69.0% prioritized blindness prevention as an urgent health concern. the study found high awareness but limited depth of knowledge and low engagement in preventive eye care. Faculty of study played a key role in shaping awareness and behaviour. Targeted university-based interventions are recommended to enhance glaucoma literacy, promote regular eye screening, and reduce the risk of glaucoma-related blindness among young adults.

Background: Tear break up is an important indicator of tear film stability, representing the interval between a complete blink and the first appearance of a dry spot on the corneal surface. Humidity plays a crucial role in tear film dynamics. Increase humidity decelerate evaporative water loss from the tear film, increasing tear break up time (TBUT) and alleviate ocular discomfort. Objective: This study investigated the effect of increased humidity on tear breakup time (TBUT) amid fifty (50) participants attending University of Benin Optometry teaching clinic. Studies have shown that increased humidity leads to a significant increase in tear break up time (TBUT), resulting in increased ocular comfort. Therefore, in this study we investigated the effect of increased humidity on TBUT. Method: Close observation on fifty (50) participants with convenient sampling design. Data on age, gender was carried out, an ocular surface disease index (OSDI) questionnaire was used to grade the participants into normal, mild, moderate and severe tear dry eye , they were then exposed to ideal humidity and increased humidity level, after 10 minutes of acclimatization in each humidity condition, non-invasive tear break up time (NITBUT) was measured in both conditions and findings were recorded. Result: Increase in humidity between 50% and 70% relative humidity (RH) were statistically significant (p < 0.001), with large effect sizes (r = 0.80-0.95), participants with normal, mild and severe ocular surface disorder index (OSDI) score all showed significant increase in tear break up time (TBUT) and increased ocular comfort. Conclusion: Result demonstrates that increase in humidity level markedly improved tear film stability from all groups regardless of age, gender, ocular surface health (normal or dry eye). The results of this study confirmed that humidity is a critical environmental factor that influences ocular surface health. The study also revealed that controlled increase in humidity level yielded statistically significant tear film stability (p<0.001) in all groups.

This study investigates biochemical changes in the aqueous humor and blood of bovine eyes after death to improve methods for estimating the post-mortem interval (PMI) in forensic investigations. The aqueous humor, a clear fluid in the eye's anterior chamber, is relatively isolated from external factors and may serve as a more reliable fluid for PMI estimation compared to blood, which is subject to faster and more variable biochemical changes. Key biochemical markers (e.g., glucose, electrolytes, and proteins) will be measured in both fluids at different times after death. The results obtained will determine if the aqueous humor has more gradual and predictable biochemical changes than the blood or if it changes more rapidly and inconsistently as compared to the blood. This will further suggests that aqueous humor may or may not provide a more stable timeline for estimating PMI, especially when compared to blood samples. This study will be a support to the use of either blood or aqueous humor as a biomarker in forensic settings and calls for further research on post-mortem biochemical dynamics in humans and environmental influences on fluid degradation.

Background Knowledge Visual acuity, the sharpness and clarity of vision, is significantly influenced by environmental lighting conditions. Different light sources, such as ambient light, LED bulbs, fluorescent lights, and incandescent bulbs, can impact visual performance. Optimizing lighting conditions is crucial for enhancing visual clarity and reducing eye strain in workspaces, educational settings, and other environments that demand precise vision. Despite its importance, there is limited research on how various light sources affect visual acuity within a room of fixed dimensions. Purpose This study investigates the effects of different light sources on visual acuity within a controlled room of constant dimensions at the Optometry Clinic, University of Benin. Method A repeated measures experimental design was employed, involving 35 participants with normal or corrected-to-normal vision. Visual acuity was assessed using Snellen charts under different lighting conditions. The room dimensions (length, width, and height) were kept constant, and a light meter was used to measure the illumination levels at the participants' eye level. Visual acuity was recorded in LogMAR values to ensure precision and consistency in data analysis. Statistical tests, including ANOVA and SPSS, were used to compare visual acuity across the different lighting conditions. Page7 Conclusion The study concludes that the choice of light source considerably impacts visual acuity within a room of fixed dimensions. These findings provide valuable insights for architectural lighting design, ergonomic practices, and the development of optimal visual environments in educational and professional settings.

Non-communicable diseases such as glaucoma, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus present growing health and economic challenges, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. This study investigated the individual and combined effects of Sorghum bicolor and Hibiscus sabdariffa leaf extracts on intraocular pressure (IOP), blood pressure (BP), and blood glucose (BG) levels in adults. The increasing prevalence of these metabolic and ocular disorders highlights the need for safer, affordable, and accessible interventions, particularly in resource-limited settings. A prospective cross-sectional experimental study was conducted among 182 normotensive adults aged 25–60 years at the University of Benin. Participants received standardized single oral doses of Sorghum bicolor, Hibiscus sabdariffa, and their combination on separate days. Baseline and fourhour post-administration measurements of IOP, BP, and BG were obtained and analyzed using paired t-tests and repeated-measures ANOVA at a significance level of p < 0.05. Results showed that both Sorghum bicolor and Hibiscus sabdariffa significantly reduced IOP and BG levels (p < 0.05) but had no significant effect on systolic or diastolic BP after acute administration. The combined extract produced a modest additional reduction in diastolic BP and IOP, though no synergistic effect was observed for BG lowering compared to individual extracts. These findings provide scientific support for the ethnomedical use of these botanicals in promoting ocular and metabolic health. However, their antihypertensive benefits may require prolonged administration or may be more pronounced in hypertensive individuals. The study concludes that Sorghum bicolor and Hibiscus sabdariffa are safe, culturally acceptable, and potentially beneficial adjuncts for improving glycemic control and reducing glaucoma risk in resource-limited populations. Further research should explore chronic effects, optimal dosing, mechanisms of action, and their possible integration into public health strategies.

This study investigates biochemical changes in the aqueous humor and blood of bovine eyes after death to improve methods for estimating the post-mortem interval (PMI) in forensic investigations. The aqueous humor, a clear fluid in the eye's anterior chamber, is relatively isolated from external factors and may serve as a more reliable fluid for PMI estimation compared to blood, which is subject to faster and more variable biochemical changes. Key biochemical markers (e.g., glucose, electrolytes, and proteins) will be measured in both fluids at different times after death. The results obtained will determine if the aqueous humor has more gradual and predictable biochemical changes than the blood or if it changes more rapidly and inconsistently as compared to the blood. This will further suggests that aqueous humor may or may not provide a more stable timeline for estimating PMI, especially when compared to blood samples. This study will be a support to the use of either blood or aqueous humor as a biomarker in forensic settings and calls for further research on post-mortem biochemical dynamics in humans and environmental influences on fluid degradation.

Background Knowledge Visual acuity, the sharpness and clarity of vision, is significantly influenced by environmental lighting conditions. Different light sources, such as ambient light, LED bulbs, fluorescent lights, and incandescent bulbs, can impact visual performance. Optimizing lighting conditions is crucial for enhancing visual clarity and reducing eye strain in workspaces, educational settings, and other environments that demand precise vision. Despite its importance, there is limited research on how various light sources affect visual acuity within a room of fixed dimensions. Purpose This study investigates the effects of different light sources on visual acuity within a controlled room of constant dimensions at the Optometry Clinic, University of Benin. Method A repeated measures experimental design was employed, involving 35 participants with normal or corrected-to-normal vision. Visual acuity was assessed using Snellen charts under different lighting conditions. The room dimensions (length, width, and height) were kept constant, and a light meter was used to measure the illumination levels at the participants' eye level. Visual acuity was recorded in LogMAR values to ensure precision and consistency in data analysis. Statistical tests, including ANOVA and SPSS, were used to compare visual acuity across the different lighting conditions. Page7 Conclusion The study concludes that the choice of light source considerably impacts visual acuity within a room of fixed dimensions. These findings provide valuable insights for architectural lighting design, ergonomic practices, and the development of optimal visual environments in educational and professional settings.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of graded doses of Hibiscus Sabdariffa aqueous extract on intraocular pressure (IOP) and blood pressure (BP) in normotensive individuals. A total of 40 university students (22 males, 18 females) aged 18-29 years (mean age: 24.3 ± 3.20 years) participated in this study. The participants were divided into four groups: three experimental groups (A, B, C) and a control group (D), each consisting of 10 normotensive subjects. Baseline IOP and BP measurements were obtained using an iCare TA01i Tonometer and a HEM-7124 blood pressure monitor, respectively. The experimental groups received graded doses of Hibiscus Sabdariffa aqueous extract, and IOP and BP measurements were taken at 30-, 60-, 90-, and 120-minutes post-ingestion. The results showed a significant decrease in IOP in the left eye, with a statistically significant effect observed (p < 0.05), and the most substantial reduction occurred at 120 minutes post-ingestion. Additionally, the effect of Hibiscus Sabdariffa on BP was found to be dose-dependent, with a statistically significant effect observed (p < 0.05). This study recommends that potential integration of Hibiscus sabdariffa leaf aqueous extract as a complementary therapy in the management of certain ocular conditions warrants further consideration. However, additional research is needed to fully elucidate its therapeutic potential and safety profile Keywords: Hibiscus Sabdariffa, Intraocular pressure, Blood pressure and Normotensives.

Background: Contact lenses are widely used for vision correction and cosmetic enhancement; however, improper use and poor hygiene practices can lead to complications Understanding the prevalence, risk factors, and user behavior is crucial in reducing adverse effects and promoting eye health. Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate contact lens-related complications among wearers at the University of Benin, assess their knowledge and hygiene practices, and examine the relationship between demographic factors and complication occurrence. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a structured questionnaire administered to 140 contact lens wearers. Data collected included demographic information, duration of wear, knowledge and hygiene practices, and prevalence of complications. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed using SPSS to identify associations between variables. Results: The study revealed that 50% of respondents experienced dryness, while 42.9% reported red or irritated eyes. A significant proportion (71.4%) had never received formal education on proper contact lens care. Inferential analysis indicated a strong association between hygiene practices and the occurrence of complications, with behaviors such as sleeping with lenses and failing to wash hands before handling them identified as significant risk factors. Despite complications, 75% of wearers did not seek medical advice. Conclusion: The study highlights the need for increased education and awareness regarding proper contact lens hygiene. Eye care professionals, institutions, and public health agencies should implement targeted interventions to improve compliance with best practices and reduce complications. Regular eye check-ups and stricter regulations on contact lens distribution are recommended to enhance ocular health among wearers. KEYWORDS: Contact lenses, complications, hygiene practices, eye care, ocular health.

Refractive errors including myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism and few cases anisometropia are major causes of visual impairment in children worldwide. In Nigeria, many cases remain undetected due to inadequate screening programs and limited data. Understanding the prevalence and distribution of refractive errors in children is essential for targeted interventions and effective public health planning. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and pattern of refractive errors in children aged 6–18 years attending selected hospitals in Benin City, Edo State. A retrospective study was used and the number of records reviewed was 719 and the information on the age, gender, type of refractive error and visual acuity was gathered from selected hospitals in Benin City. The findings showed that astigmatism refractive error was the most common with 48.8% of errors followed by myopia (32.8) and hyperopia (11.3) with less prevalence of anisometropia. Women and children (13- 18 years old) were overrepresented. The cases of astigmatism were multiplying five times over the study period and almost 60 percent of the diagnosis of refractive errors in recent years was attributed to astigmatism and myopia was found to be at its peak in the middle years. Hyperopia was comparatively low and cannot be disregarded because of its correlation with amblyopia and difficulties with learning. The distribution of refractive errors based on age and gender was tested statistically and found to be significantly different (p<0.05). These results are in line with the regional and global trends where the lifestyle in cities, academic needs, and genes influence the observed trends. The study has emphasized the significance of early diagnosis, periodic eye check-ups in schools, and specific measures to minimize avoidable visual loss in the children. It also throws light at how important it is that policy makers should focus on pediatric eye health services and education of the population in Edo State and other urban areas which thereby contribute to the growing body of knowledge required to shape pediatric optometric policies and training in Nigeria.