DEPARTMENT OF OPTOMETRY

In our everyday life as humans, we carry out activities whereby we rely majorly on our vision. Vision is therefore important for an individual to have a good quality of life. This study was carried out to determine the effects of visual impairment (VI) on The quality of life of adult patients at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), also the quality of life in different
demographic variables was compared. It is a quantitative observational cross-sectional study that carried out on adult male and female patients above 18 years of age with visual acuity (VA) of less than 6 out of 12. The 150 sample size excluded subjects with mental illness. Demographics and quality of life data were collected through low vision quality-of-life questionnaire at UBTH from August to September 2023. From the 150 visually impaired patients that participated in this study, 85 males participated as compared to 65 females with a mean Age of 55.77 ± 12.73 for males and 57.33 ± 11.24 for females. 129(86%) patients were married while 21(14%) were unmarred. Eighteen 18% of the participants were diabetic, Eight 8% were hypertensive. Only three 3% of the participants were both diabetic and hypertensive. : Patients that were older than 60 years, uneducated, unmarried, and women were most likely to have a lower quality of life. In cases where chronic diseases are associated with higher rates of visual complications and poor quality of life the importance of eye examinations and effective rehabilitation services cannot be overemphasized.

This comparative study investigated the effects of preservative and preservative-free artificial tears on tear stability among dry eye patients. The participants completed the OSDI questionnaire to determine their subjective observations. A randomized controlled trial was used to group the participants. Tear film stability was assessed using fluorescein invasive tear break-up time (FTBUT), Schirmer’s test was carried out to determine the tear flow rate, the results were compared between the two groups. The results showed that the mean values for TBUT for Hypromellose were 6.25 ± 0.33 before and 6.75 ± 0.31seconds after, for Refresh was 6.40 ± 0.40 before and 7.55 ± 0.42 seconds after. Also, the mean values for TFR for Hypromellose were 8.36 ± 0.50 before and 8.61 ± 0.50 seconds after, for refresh was 9.69 ± 0.54 before and 10.05 ± 0.55 after seconds. The results obtained were analyzed using the SSPS 22.0. T-test and one- way ANOVA were used to compare the mean FTBUT and TFR values between both groups, the p values were 0.64 and 0.68 respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in the tear film stability and tear flow rate between both groups after four weeks (p > 0.05). In conclusion, the results of this study showed that there was no notable difference between preservative artificial tears and preservative-free artificial tears on tear film stability and tear flow rate. It is recommended that clinicians can confidently recommend both preservative and preservative-free artificial tears as effective management options for dry eye. KEYWORDS: Dry eye syndrome, Artificial tears, Preservative, TBUT

This study aimed to determine the compliance and non-compliance of University of Benin students to prescription spectacle wears. Random sampling technique was used to select subjects from the various faculties in the university of Benin as a total number of three hundred subjects were selected which was made up of 233 females and 67 males as a semi-structured questionnaires were distributed to them, which had questions that would help determine compliance and non-compliance level. The questionnaires were given to subjects that are known to be prescription spectacle wearers and instructions were given as regard how to fill the questionnaires and the data were collated after the subjects had filled the questionnaires. The statistical test used for the analysis was the chi-square from the Package of SPSS (version 22.0) to check for the scores and variables obtained in the study. In conclusion, there were more female subjects than males subjects, and the level of compliance was found to be higher than level of non-compliance. The result showed that 76.3% of the subjects had their glasses from optometrist, 9.7% from ophthalmologist and optician respectively, while 4.3% from an outreach. The result also showed that 73 (24.3%) of the subjects believed that they often lose their eye glasses as reason for non-compliance while 227 (75.7%) of the subjects disagreed to the statement. It was also seen that 194 (64.7%) of the subjects disagreed that eye glasses are most useful to them only during exams, while 106 (35.3%) agreed.

Refractive errors, including myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism, constitute a significant public health concern affecting visual well-being of individuals as well as the academic performance of pupils. Uncorrected refractive error, the second most common cause of preventable blindness globally places a heavy burden on individuals and the society. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of refractive errors among secondary school students in Egor Local Government Area (LGA). The study was carried out for a period of three month. A stratified random sampling method was used where students from the selected schools within Egor LGA were selected for the study. The sample size was 400 with a number of 151 females and 249 males. Data was collected using a well structured self-administered questionnaires. This questionnaire included demographic information and was further divided into three sections. The data collected were analyzed using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 22.0. Descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, mean and standard deviation) was used to
summarize the variables. Continuous variables was expressed as the mean ± standard deviation for those that displayed normal distribution. A total of 400 students participated in the study between the ages of 11 to 19years (mean age 16.07± 1.320). Majority of the participants was male (249) while the remaining where females (151). The results showed that those who had good knowledge about refractive errors was about 52.3% while those who had good attitudes to refractive errors was 44% and who with good practice of refractive errors was just 17.5% of the
respondents. In conclusion, the knowledge about refractive error was fair, attitude towards refractive error was good but the practices towards refractive error was poor.

This comparative study investigated the effects of preservative and preservative-free artificial tears on tear stability among dry eye patients. The participants completed the OSDI questionnaire
to determine their subjective observations. A randomized controlled trial was used to group the participants. Tear film stability was assessed using fluorescein invasive tear break-up time (FTBUT), Schirmer’s test was carried out to determine the tear flow rate, the results were compared between the two groups. The results showed that the mean values for TBUT for Hypromellose were 6.25 ± 0.33 before and 6.75 ± 0.31seconds after, for Refresh was 6.40 ± 0.40 before and 7.55 ± 0.42 seconds after. Also, the mean values for TFR for Hypromellose were 8.36 ± 0.50 before and 8.61 ± 0.50 seconds after, for refresh was 9.69 ± 0.54 before and 10.05 ± 0.55 after seconds. The results obtained were analyzed using the SSPS 22.0. T-test and one- way ANOVA were used to compare the mean FTBUT and TFR values between both groups, the p values were 0.64 and 0.68 respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in the tear film stability and tear flow rate between both groups after four weeks (p > 0.05). In conclusion, the results of this study Showed that there was no notable difference between preservative artificial tears and preservative-free artificial tears on tear film stability and tear flow rate. It is recommended that clinicians can confidently recommend both preservative and preservative-free artificial tears as effective management options for dry eye

Academic activities were suspended in public tertiary institutions and other schools around the world, including Nigeria, due of the Covid-19 pandemic. Online education has brought a new reality to the academic system. This study evaluated the difficulties faced by learners who participated in online courses during the Covid-19 outbreak in Nigeria. Three classes each were organized using the video conferencing software for students of the Department of Optometry, University of Benin. The next step was for them to freely evaluate the lectures and the lecturer while observing the difficulties and achievements. An online survey that was utilized to compile and populate the study's responses was examined. Ninety-six (96) students studying optometry provided answers to the survey. The study was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social
Sciences version (SPSS) 22.0. A study of the statistical data revealed that online lectures
considerably increased students' understanding of the homework. In conclusion, the difficulties
included an abnormal power supply, a lack of internet access, and low student motivation. This
study recommends that online lectures should be introduced, a good internet capable phone
should be mandated to be gotten by the students and the students should have an alternate power
supply rather than depend on power companies

The need to examine health services from the patient’s perspective has become increasinglyimportant. The purpose of this study was to determine how patients perceive the qualityof eyecare services provided at the optometry clinic Ekehuan Campus, University of Benin. Apilot test
was conducted within a small group of individual. A well structured questionnairewasadministered on a cross-section of 134 patients at the University of Benin optometryclinic, Ekehuan campus. Participants were 18 years and above. Results obtained were analyzedusingthe SPSS. A well structured questionnaire was randomly issued out to participants that meet theinclusion criteria of this study. The questionnaire contained different sections suchas, Demographics, General perception of eye care services, Factors affecting perceived qualityofeye care services and specific services and staff performance. Overall, 47.0%of the respondentswere satisfied, 22.4% were neither ‘satisfied’ nor ‘dissatisfied’ while 4.5%were very dissatisfiedwith the quality of eye care services. According to the patient’s opinion, the study showedgoodsatisfaction with respect to the services provided by the eye care provider, affordabilityof eyecare services.

This study was carried out to determine the variation in keratometric reading using autorefractor before and after cataract surgery in St Teresa Specialist and Laser Eye Center, Edo State. This
was a prospective study of one hundred (n = 100) cataract patients (50 males and 50 females) aged between 35-98 years, scheduled for cataract surgery between November to January 2022. Autorefractor (with in built keratometer ) was used to measure the flat meridian (K1) and steep meridian (K2). Cornea astigmatism (CA) was gotten by taking the difference in both meridian. The data collected was analyzed using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 22.0 and Descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, mean and standard deviation) was used to summarize the variables. There was a statistically significant variation in K1 and K2 values before cataract surgery, one and four weeks after cataract surgery.( p<0.001 for K1 before, one week and four weeks after surgery, also p<0.001 for K2 before surgery ,one week and four weeks after surgery.)The study also showed that there was no significant difference in the cornea astigmatism (CA) before the surgery and one week after the surgery(p=0.412). There was significant difference in CA before the surgery and four weeks after the surgery (p=0.010).There
was also a significant difference in CA one week after the surgery when compared to four weeks after the surgery (p=0.008). From the study, it was revealed that there is a statistically significant
variation that exists in K1 and K2 values before and after cataract surgery as well as cornea astigmatism.

This study was carried out to determine the variation in keratometric reading using autorefractor before and after cataract surgery in St Teresa Specialist and Laser Eye Center, Edo State. This was a prospective study of one hundred (n = 100) cataract patients (50 males and 50 females) aged between 35-98 years, scheduled for cataract surgery between November to January 2022. Autorefractor (with in built keratometer ) was used to measure the flat meridian (K1) and steep meridian (K2). Cornea astigmatism (CA) was gotten by taking the difference in both meridian. The data collected was analyzed using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 22.0 and Descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, mean and standard deviation) was used to summarize the variables. There was a statistically significant variation in K1 and K2 values before cataract surgery, one and four weeks after cataract surgery.( p<0.001 for K1 before,one week and four weeks after surgery,also p<0.001 for K2 before surgery,one week and four weeks after surgery.) The study also showed that there was no significant difference in cornea astigmatism (CA) before the surgery and one week after the surgery(p=0.412). There was significant difference in CA before the surgery and four weeks after the surgery (p=0.010).There was also significant difference in CA one week after the surgery when compared to four weeks after the surgery (p=0.008).From the study,it was revealed that there is a statistically significant variation that exit in K1 and K2 values before and after cataract surgery as well as cornea astigmatism.

Virtual reality (VR) has become a mainstay with it’s increasing application in diverse fields. The use of head-mounted display (HMD) provides a more immersive computer generated world when compared to other video formats. It is therefore essential to understand the effects of VR on oculomotor function. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of VR on oculomotor function. A total of 29 participants with mean age 24.41 ± 1.98 comprising 14 males and 15 females, who met the inclusion criteria were recruited for this study. The clinical accommodative and vergence measurements linked to the oculomotor system that were of interest in this study were collected before and after watching a 3D movie with a VR-HD for 45 minutes. The Baseline measurements were analyzed using the One-Sample t test. The Paired- Samples t test was used to compare the mean values of the baseline measurements with those recorded after the virtual reality. The study revealed significant change in AOA in the right eye (p=0.005), no significant difference in the left eye (p= 0.199) and other accommodative measurements (p=0.076 and p=0.725 for NRA AND PRA respectively). PFV break at near showed a significant difference (p=0.003) but there was no significant difference for other vergence measurements’ break components (p=0.414 and p= 0.257 for NPC and NFV ). There
was no significant difference for vergence measurements’ recovery components (p= 0.191 for NPC, p= 0.361 for NFV and p= 0.561 for PFV). In conclusion VR-HMD was found to have significant effect on certain occulomotor functions.