DEPARTMENT OF OPTOMETRY

External eye infections occur when harmful microorganisms invade the eyes thereby inflicting harm. Infection in the eyes occurs in three main parts: eyelid, cornea and conjunctiva. The study was carried out to assess bacterial associated with ocular infections. A questionnaire was used to obtain participants demographics and basic general information related to the work. Thereafter samples from 50 healthy students in university of Benin was obtained from the lower cul-de-sac by using a sterile swap stick. Within 4-6 hours of collection, the samples were transported under aseptic condition to the laboratory for analysis. On MacConkey agar, nutrient agar, and mannitol salt agar, the samples were inoculated. The microbes isolated were determined using typical microbial and biological procedures. Antimicrobial test was carried out to ascertain the sensitivity or resistant status of each isolate. The commonest flora isolated was Escherichia Coli in 96% of participants. The total mean CFU for males and females was 3.145 and 2.660 respectively (p=0.519). There was a significant relationship between history of contact lens use with prevalence of Escherichia Coli (p=0.009), also a significant relationship between history of contact lens use with percentage of occurrence of Pseudomonas aeuriginosa (p=<0.001). There was also a relationship between history of visit to clinic and percentage occurrence of Pseudomonas aeuriginosa (p=0.010) and history of visit to clinic with percentage occurrence of Escherichia Coli (0.023) and also a significant relationship was seen between the listed names of the eyedrop with percentage of occurrence of Staphylococcus aureus (p=0.054). This study showed that lifestyles factors such as contact lens use and eye drop use can affect the normal flora of a person.

The Niger Delta region, located in the Atlantic coast of southern Nigeria is an area covering about 70000km2 (27000 square miles). More than 25% of Nigeria’s population inhabit this region profoundly rich in petroleum resources- crude oil, natural gas, asphalt and tar. Exploration and exploitation of these petroleum resources have downgraded the diversified environment of the region whose consequence is pollution due to 4200 oil spillages and 250 gas flaring sites. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of petroleum exploration and exploitation induced air, soil and water pollution on the eyes of the inhabitants of the
Ogbite community in Rivers state of the region. This research is a cross sectional investigative study which investigated petroleum explorative and exploitational processes producing hazardous chemicals induced oculovisual perturbations. With a sample size of 115 respondents, data collected were subjected to statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 22.0 to highlight compromises of the oculovisual tissues of the Ogbite community. Descriptive statistics were presented in the form of pie chart tables, bar charts and graphs. The relationship between petroleum pollution and consequences on the eye were explored using Pearson’s chi-square test and statistical relevance of P<0.05. The findings indicated huge external adnexia perturbations, indicating compromise of the oculovisual tissues of the people of Ogbite Community which included visual perceptual description, external
examinations, internal examination, signs and symptoms presented and environmental impact assessment of water and soil. Visual acuity at distance showed 54 (47%) + 2.836 from 6/24 to no light perception while 61 (53%) + 2.901 had visual acuity of 6/5 to 6/18. For near v.a N5- N10 had 61(53%) and N12-N24 had 19 (16.5%) and 28(24.35%). were uncooperative Visual
perceptual description showed: blur vision 48 respondents (41.74%) + 2.121, cloudy/hazy vision 15 (12.18%) + 0.726 and 50 (43.37%) + 2.025 had normal vision. External examinations had pterygium 20(17.4%) + 2.121 red eyes/ redness 16(13.90%) + 1.41. The total number of respondent with external problems were 60(52.17%) which included penguecula, conjunctivitis, allergic conjunctivitis, corneal ulcer and chalazion. Internal examination indicated cloudy/opaque media 19(16.52%)+2.038, age related macular degeneration 19(16.52%) +2.038. Signs and symptoms presented include: tearing 35(30.43%) + 2.076, foreign body sensation 30 (26.09%) + 2.037, pain 30(26.09% + 2.037), itching 25 (21.74%) + 0.707 and headache 19 (16.52%) + 0.508. For water samples, RV1 had high iron, 0.353 + 0.104mg/L, Zinc 0.150 + 0.048mg/L, Cadmium 0.011 + 0.004mg/L and Lead 0.17 + 0.005mg/L. Egbem 2 had high COD 23.3 + 8.02mg/L, salinilty 52 + 0.023mg/L, TDS 57.3 + 25.7mg/L and Cl 88.6 + 30.26 mg/L. For
soil samples, SSC2 had high EC 1118.0 + 507.4mg/k, Cl 1173 + 800.1 mg/k and SSS had high Fe 156.02 + 65.76 mg/K, Zinc 104.30 + 41.67mg/k, Cu 56.30 + 22.499 mg/k. The chemical analysis of the soil and water samples indicated changes from normal especially the heavy metals and other parameters for assessment of samples. From the findings, the oculovisual systems of some of the people of Ogbite have been compromised by crude oil and gas exploration and exploitation and the consequences of these are the manifestation of increased internal and external eye problems.

Caffeine is a stimulant, which means it increases activity in the brain and nervous system. It also increases the circulation of chemicals such as cortisol and adrenaline in the body. Caffeine is naturally found in the leaves and fruits of some plants. It is in coffee, black and green tea, cocoa, cola soft drinks and energy drinks. Blinking has been described to occur voluntarily, reflexively or spontaneously. Caffeine is a known stimulant that affects nervous system and probably the most widely consumed psychoactive substance is claimed to have conflicting effects on blink rate and blinking plays a critical role in the health of the eye. This research has assess the influence of caffeinated coffee consumption with blink rate. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of caffeine intake(coffee) on blink rate.The blink rate was measured on a sample of 85 participants in the university of Benin Optometry teaching clinic.The measurements for the test per participants were obtained and afterwards the means were applied in analysis of the result. Mean baseline was 17.38 and the mean blink rates after caffeine consumption was 15.04, 13.91, 12.42, and 16.69 for 15, 30, 45 and 65 minutes respectively. There was a statistically significant reduction in the blink rate of participants after the consumption of caffeine (p < 0.05). It was concluded that caffeine reduces blink rate in adults and excessive intake of caffeine should be avoided since caffeine intake could cause improper functioning of the eye.

The Niger Delta region, located in the Atlantic coast of southern Nigeria is an area covering
about 70000km2 (27000 square miles). More than 25% of Nigeria’s population inhabit this
region profoundly rich in petroleum resources- crude oil, natural gas, asphalt and tar. Exploration and exploitation of these petroleum resources have downgraded the diversified
environment of the region whose consequence is pollution due to 4200 oil spillages and 250
gas flaring sites. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of petroleum exploration
and exploitation induced air, soil and water pollution on the eyes of the inhabitants of the
Ogbite community in Rivers state of the region. This research is a cross sectional
investigative study which investigated petroleum explorative and exploitational processes
producing hazardous chemicals induced oculovisual perturbations. With a sample size of 115
respondents, data collected were subjected to statistical package for social sciences (SPSS)
version 22.0 to highlight compromises of the oculovisual tissues of the Ogbite community. Descriptive statistics were presented in the form of pie chart tables, bar charts and graphs. The relationship between petroleum pollution and consequences on the eye were explored
using Pearson’s chi-square test and statistical relevance of P<0.05. The findings indicated
huge external adnexia perturbations, indicating compromise of the oculovisual tissues of the
people of Ogbite Community which included visual perceptual description, external
examinations, internal examination, signs and symptoms presented and environmental impact
assessment of water and soil. Visual acuity at distance showed 54 (47%) + 2.836 from 6/24 to
no light perception while 61 (53%) + 2.901 had visual acuity of 6/5 to 6/18. For near v.a N5- N10 had 61(53%) and N12-N24 had 19 (16.5%) and 28(24.35%). were uncooperative Visual
perceptual description showed: blur vision 48 respondents (41.74%) + 2.121, cloudy/hazy
vision 15 (12.18%) + 0.726 and 50 (43.37%) + 2.025 had normal vision. External
examinations had pterygium 20(17.4%) + 2.121 red eyes/ redness 16(13.90%) + 1.41. The
total number of respondent with external problems were 60(52.17%) which included
penguecula, conjunctivitis, allergic conjunctivitis, corneal ulcer and chalazion. Internal
examination indicated cloudy/opaque media 19(16.52%)+2.038, age related macular
degeneration 19(16.52%) +2.038. Signs and symptoms presented include: tearing 35(30.43%)
+ 2.076, foreign body sensation 30 (26.09%) + 2.037, pain 30(26.09% + 2.037), itching 25
(21.74%) + 0.707 and headache 19 (16.52%) + 0.508. For water samples, RV1 had high iron, 0.353 + 0.104mg/L, Zinc 0.150 + 0.048mg/L, Cadmium 0.011 + 0.004mg/L and Lead 0.17 + 0.005mg/L. Egbem 2 had high COD 23.3 +
8.02mg/L, salinilty 52 + 0.023mg/L, TDS 57.3 + 25.7mg/L and Cl 88.6 + 30.26 mg/L. For
soil samples, SSC2 had high EC 1118.0 + 507.4mg/k, Cl 1173 + 800.1 mg/k and SSS had
high Fe 156.02 + 65.76 mg/K, Zinc 104.30 + 41.67mg/k, Cu 56.30 + 22.499 mg/k. The
chemical analysis of the soil and water samples indicated changes from normal especially the
heavy metals and other parameters for assessment of samples. From the findings, the
oculovisual systems of some of the people of Ogbite have been compromised by crude oil
and gas exploration and exploitation and the consequences of these are the manifestation of
increased internal and external eye problems.

Caffeine is a stimulant, which means it increases activity in the brain and nervous system. It also increases the circulation of chemicals such as cortisol and adrenaline in the body. Caffeine is naturally found in the leaves and fruits of some plants. It is in coffee, black and green tea, cocoa, cola soft drinks and energy drinks. Blinking has been described to occur voluntarily, reflexively or spontaneously. Caffeine is a known stimulant that affects nervous system and probably the most widely consumed psychoactive substance is claimed to have conflicting effects on blink rate and blinking plays a critical role in the health of the eye. This research has assess the influence of caffeinated coffee consumption with blink rate. The purpose of this study was to
determine the effect of caffeine intake(coffee) on blink rate. The blink rate was measured on a sample of 85 participants in the university of Benin Optometry teaching clinic. The measurements for the test per participants were obtained and afterwards the means were applied in analysis of the result. Mean baseline was 17.38 and the mean blink rates after caffeine consumption was 15.04, 13.91, 12.42, and 16.69 for 15, 30, 45 and 65 minutes respectively. There was a statistically significant reduction in the blink rate of participants after the consumption of caffeine (p < 0.05). It was concluded that caffeine reduces blink rate in adults
and excessive intake of caffeine should be avoided since caffeine intake could cause improper functioning of the eye.

Myopia, a prevalent refractive error affecting a significant proportion of the global population, has been increasingly linked to psychological health, particularly anxiety and depression. This study investigates the relationship between the severity of myopia and the levels of anxiety and depression among myopic adults. A cross-sectional study was conducted at the University of Benin, Nigeria, involving 371 participants aged 18–75. Participants underwent visual screenings and completed validated psychological assessment tools, including the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) for depression and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7) for anxiety. Data analysis was performed using SPSS, employing Pearson correlation, regression analysis, and ANOVA. Results indicated a statistically significant positive correlation between the level of myopia and both anxiety and depression levels (p <0.05). The findings suggest that individuals with higher myopia experience greater psychological distress, likely due to concerns about progressive vision loss, social withdrawal, and academic or occupational limitations. Gender-based differences were observed, with female participants reporting higher depression levels. However, anxiety variations with gender and age were not statistically significant. The study underscores the importance of integrating psychological health assessments into routine optometric care and suggests a multidisciplinary approach to managing myopia, including mental health support. Future research should explore longitudinal studies to establish causality and the potential neurobiological mechanisms linking myopia to mental health disorders.

Pediatric ocular trauma is a significant public health concern, with potential long-term consequences on vision and quality of life. This study was aimed at investigating the severity and management of pediatric ocular injuries in Sapele, Delta State. A retrospective study was carried out to analyze the clinical record of pediatric patients that presented to Central Hospital within January 1st, 2020 to October 1st, 2024. A total of 223 patients, males 139 (62.3%) and females 84 (37.7%), were found to have pediatric ocular injury with a mean age of 11.46 ± 4.7. The moscommon type of injury sustained was the closed globe injury (76.1%) followed by open globe injury (6.7%) while thermal injury (1.8%) was the least frequently seen. Injuries were found to be caused by physical assault (14.4%), broomsticks (6.3%) and even self-inflicted (5.3%). The cornea was the most affected structure (57.4%) by pediatric ocular injury. An initial visual acuityof 6/6 was recorded (22.6%) for a good percentage of the patients that were compliant. Therewas a statistically significant relationship between the initial visual acuity and the cause of injury(p<0.05). Majority of pediatric ocular injuries (87.9%) that presented to the hospital wermanaged medically. Corneal ulcer was the most common (n=77) diagnosis of pediatric patientsthat visited the hospital and it took an average of one week to heal. More than half of thepediatric patients had mild injuries (57.8%). Chi-square test was used to determine if there wassignificant relationship between the severity of injury and initial visual acuity. The result gave p<0.05 showing that there was a statistically significant relationship. 49 eyes (22.0%) of the

Pediatric ocular trauma is a significant public health concern, with potential long-termconsequences on vision and quality of life. This study was aimed at investigating the severityandmanagement of pediatric ocular injuries in Sapele, Delta State. A retrospective study was carriedout to analyze the clinical record of pediatric patients that presented to Central Hospital withinJanuary 1
st, 2020 to October 1
st, 2024. A total of 223 patients, males 139 (62.3%) and females84(37.7%), were found to have pediatric ocular injury with a mean age of 11.46 ± 4.7. Themost
common type of injury sustained was the closed globe injury (76.1%) followed by openglobeinjury (6.7%) while thermal injury (1.8%) was the least frequently seen. Injuries were foundtobe caused by physical assault (14.4%), broomsticks (6.3%) and even self-inflicted (5.3%). Thecornea was the most affected structure (57.4%) by pediatric ocular injury. An initial visual acuityof 6/6 was recorded (22.6%) for a good percentage of the patients that were compliant. Therewas a statistically significant relationship between the initial visual acuity and the cause of injury(p<0.05). Majority of pediatric ocular injuries (87.9%) that presented to the hospital weremanaged medically. Corneal ulcer was the most common (n=77) diagnosis of pediatric patientsthat visited the hospital and it took an average of one week to heal. More than half of thepediatric patients had mild injuries (57.8%). Chi-square test was used to determine if therewassignificant relationship between the severity of injury and initial visual acuity. The result gavep<0.05 showing that there was a statistically significant relationship. 49 eyes (22.0%) of the
xi
patients were found to have a visual acuity of <3/60-NLP at presentation, while 23(10.3%) werefound to have severe visual impairment after treatment. There is a significant risk of visual lossassociated with ocular trauma and thus, the need for effective methods to prevent its occurrence. Keywords: Pediatric ocular trauma, corneal ulcer, severe visual impairment, visual acuity.