FACULTY OF OPTOMETRY

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. KEYWORDS: relative humidity, tear break-up time, tear film stability, ocular health.

Alcohol consumption is a globally prevalent practice with well-documented systemic effects. However, its specific impact on visual performance, a critical component for tasks like driving, remains relatively under-investigated. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a standardized dose of alcohol on visual performance parameters. A single-blind, randomized study design was employed, and data were analyzed using the IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0, incorporating descriptive statistics and repeated measures ANOVA. The study comprised sixty participants (mean age 24.1 ± 2.8 years), randomly assigned to an Alcohol group (n = 30) that consumed 250ml of red wine (12% alcohol) or a Control group (n = 30) that consumed an equal volume of a matched placebo. Visual performance parameters, which includes visual acuity (distance and near), contrast sensitivity, amplitude of accommodation, and near point of convergence, were measured at baseline, 30 minutes, and 60 minutes post-consumption. The findings of this study showed that the consumption of alcohol induced a significant deterioration in visual function: distance visual acuity (LogMAR) worsened from a baseline of -0.06±0.14 to 4.29±1.50 at 30 minutes (p = 0.002), near visual acuity (N-notation) worsened from 0.02±0.05 to 3.40±0.67 (p = 0.003), amplitude of accommodation decreased from 13.20±3.40D to 9.83±3.01D (p = 0.001), and near point of convergence (break) receded from 5.50±3.93cm to 8.50±4.38cm (p = 0.003). In contrast, alcohol consumption did not produce a statistically significant effect on contrast sensitivity at any time point (p > 0.05). In conclusion, this study showed that acute, moderate alcohol intake significantly impairs key aspects of visual performance essential for depth perception and focusing. These findings hold clinical significance for optometry, providing evidence-based data to counsel patients on the specific visual risks of alcohol consumption, particularly for activities requiring precise oculomotor control and sharp vision, such as driving at night.

Alcohol consumption is a globally prevalent practice with well-documented systemic effects. However, its specific impact on visual performance, a critical component for tasks like driving, remains relatively under-investigated. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a standardized dose of alcohol on visual performance parameters. A single-blind, randomized study design was employed, and data were analyzed using the IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0, incorporating descriptive statistics and repeated measures ANOVA. The study comprised sixty participants (mean age 24.1 ± 2.8 years), randomly assigned to an Alcohol group (n = 30) that consumed 250ml of red wine (12% alcohol) or a Control group (n = 30) that consumed an equal volume of a matched placebo. Visual performance parameters, which includes visual acuity (distance and near), contrast sensitivity, amplitude of accommodation, and near point of convergence, were measured at baseline, 30 minutes, and 60 minutes post-consumption. The findings of this study showed that the consumption of alcohol induced a significant deterioration in visual function: distance visual acuity (LogMAR) worsened from a baseline of -0.06±0.14 to 4.29±1.50 at 30 minutes (p = 0.002), near visual acuity (N-notation) worsened from 0.02±0.05 to 3.40±0.67 (p = 0.003), amplitude of accommodation decreased from 13.20±3.40D to 9.83±3.01D (p = 0.001), and near point of convergence (break) receded from 5.50±3.93cm to 8.50±4.38cm (p = 0.003). In contrast, alcohol consumption did not produce a statistically significant effect on contrast sensitivity at any time point (p > 0.05). In conclusion, this study showed that acute, moderate alcohol intake significantly impairs key aspects of visual performance essential for depth perception and focusing. These findings hold clinical significance for optometry, providing evidence-based data to counsel patients on the specific visual risks of alcohol consumption, particularly for activities requiring precise oculomotor control and sharp vision, such as driving at night.

Access to quality eye care services among university students is critical for maintaining visual efficiency, academic performance, and general well-being. Despite the availability of a well- equipped Optometry Clinic within the University of Benin, anecdotal evidence suggested that many students underutilize its services. Understanding the factors influencing utilization is vital for improving access and strengthening preventive eye care strategies in tertiary institutions. To assess the factors influencing utilization of optometry clinic services among undergraduate students of the University of Benin. A descriptive cross-sectional study design was adopted. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire assessing demographic information, awareness, eye health-seeking behaviour, and barriers to utilization. 382 undergraduate students were selected through stratified random sampling across faculties and levels of study. This study shows that 60% of proportion of undergraduate students in the University of Benin have utilized the available eye-care services at least once. Chi-square tests assessed factors associated with clinic utilization with a significance level set at p < 0.05. The study showed that proximity (p = 0.021) to clinic was the only factor with a statistically significant association with clinic utilization. Short waiting time (p = 0.366), friendly staff (p = 0.318), availability of drugs and spectacles (p = 0.631) showed no significant association. The findings support the need for enhanced awareness programs, affordable service models, and policy integration of routine eye examinations into student health programs to improve vision care accessibility and utilization.

This study assessed the knowledge, attitude, and perception (KAP) of dry eye disease (DED) among students of the University of Benin. A descriptive, questionnaire-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among 712 eligible undergraduates aged 17 – 30 years. Data were collected through a self-administered instrument adapted from a previously validated KAP questionnaire distributed both online and in person. Information gathered included demographics, ocular history, self-reported symptoms, and awareness, attitudes, and perceptions related to DED. Descriptive statistics summarized participant characteristics, while bivariate analyses examined associations between KAP domains and biodemographic variables. Commonly reported symptoms included light sensitivity (42.3%), blurry vision (28.7%), and eye fatigue (22.8%), whereas 26.8% reported none. Although 61.7% of respondents demonstrated good knowledge of DED, attitudes and practices were only moderately positive (54.4%), and perception levels were relatively weak (45.9%). Faculty of study showed a significant association with knowledge (p = 0.007), but no demographic factor was significantly linked to attitude or perception. These findings reveal a disconnect between awareness and behavioral practice, as many students experiencing symptoms lacked consistent preventive habits or concern regarding disease seriousness. Overall, University of Benin students exhibited satisfactory knowledge and moderately positive attitudes toward DED but suboptimal perception of personal risk. This underscores the need for strengthened health education and behavioral interventions aimed at enhancing awareness, perception, and regular preventive practices such as the use of lubricating drops, scheduled screen breaks, and protective eyewear. The observed trend aligns with similar KAP studies (Al-Mohaimeed et al., 2019; Al-Rajhi et al., 2021).

Access to quality eye care services among university students is critical for maintaining visual efficiency, academic performance, and general well-being. Despite the availability of a well- equipped Optometry Clinic within the University of Benin, anecdotal evidence suggested that many students under-utilize its services. Understanding the factors influencing utilization is vital for improving access and strengthening preventive eye care strategies in tertiary institutions. To assess the factors influencing utilization of optometry clinic services among undergraduate students of the University of Benin. A descriptive cross-sectional study design was adopted. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire assessing demographic information, awareness, eye health-seeking behaviour, and barriers to utilization. 382 undergraduate students were selected through stratified random sampling across faculties and levels of study. This study shows that 60% of proportion of undergraduate students in the University of Benin have utilized the available eye-care services at least once. Chi-square tests assessed factors associated with clinic utilization with a significance level set at p < 0.05. The study showed that proximity (p = 0.021) to clinic was the only factor with a statistically significant association with clinic utilization. Short waiting time (p = 0.366), friendly staff (p = 0.318), availability of drugs and spectacles (p = 0.631) showed no significant association. The findings support the need for enhanced awareness programs, affordable service models, and policy integration of routine eye examinations into student health programs to improve vision care accessibility and utilization.

Myopia is an increasingly common visual condition that affects millions of young adults worldwide. Among university students, prolonged near work, digital screen use, and limited outdoor exposure contribute to its rising prevalence. Beyond blurred vision, myopia can significantly affect emotional wellbeing, academic performance, and daily functioning. To assess the impact of myopia on the quality of life among students of the University of Benin. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 153 students diagnosed with myopia. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire adapted from the National Eye Institute Refractive Error Quality of Life Instrument (NEI RQL-42). Information on socio-demographics, awareness of myopia, and quality-of-life indicators was obtained. Descriptive statistics and inferential tests were used to analyze relationships between variables. All respondents were confirmed myopes, categorized as mild (53.6%), moderate (35.3%), and high (11.1%). Awareness of myopia correction was high (92.8%), but only 45.8% had undergone an eye examination in the past year. The overall mean quality-of-life score indicated a moderate impact, with the lowest scores in dependence on correction and emotional wellbeing domains. A significant negative correlation was found between severity of myopia and quality-of-life scores (r = -0.398, p = 0.002), while gender and level of study showed no significant associations (p > 0.05). Myopia moderately affects the quality of life of university students, particularly as severity increases. Strengthening vision screening programs, integrating visual ergonomics into academic settings, and providing psychosocial support for myopic students are essential steps toward improving overall wellbeing.

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.