ASSESSING THE DISTRIBUTION OF INTRAOCULAR PRESSURE AMONG SCHOOL-AGED CHILDREN
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Abstract
Background: Intraocular pressure (IOP) is a key physiological parameter that maintains the structural integrity of the eye and plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of glaucoma. Although normal IOP values are well established in adults, there remains limited data regarding its distribution and influencing factors among children in Nigeria. This study aimed to assess the
distribution of intraocular pressure among school-aged children in Benin City, Nigeria, and to evaluate variations in relation to age, gender, and body mass index (BMI). Data Analysis: A cross-sectional design was adopted, involving 568 children aged 6–14 years selected from public and private schools in Benin City through stratified random sampling. Ethical approval and
informed consent were obtained prior to participation. Data were collected using a structured form and IOP was measured with a non-contact tonometer. Anthropometric parameters were recorded to calculate BMI. Statistical analyses, including descriptive statistics, Spearman’s rank correlation, and the Mann–Whitney U test, were conducted using SPSS version 26, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: results showed a mean IOP of 17 ± 2 mmHg, with values ranging between 14 and 21 mmHg. A strong positive correlation was observed between IOP and age (Spearman’s rho = 0.827, p < 0.001), while a moderate positive correlation was found between IOP and BMI (Spearman’s rho = 0.633, p < 0.001). There was also a statistically significant difference in IOP between male and female participants (p = 0.027). Conclusion: The study concludes that Nigerian children demonstrate IOP distributions consistent with international findings, but population-specific reference values are required for accurate clinical
assessment.
distribution of intraocular pressure among school-aged children in Benin City, Nigeria, and to evaluate variations in relation to age, gender, and body mass index (BMI). Data Analysis: A cross-sectional design was adopted, involving 568 children aged 6–14 years selected from public and private schools in Benin City through stratified random sampling. Ethical approval and
informed consent were obtained prior to participation. Data were collected using a structured form and IOP was measured with a non-contact tonometer. Anthropometric parameters were recorded to calculate BMI. Statistical analyses, including descriptive statistics, Spearman’s rank correlation, and the Mann–Whitney U test, were conducted using SPSS version 26, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: results showed a mean IOP of 17 ± 2 mmHg, with values ranging between 14 and 21 mmHg. A strong positive correlation was observed between IOP and age (Spearman’s rho = 0.827, p < 0.001), while a moderate positive correlation was found between IOP and BMI (Spearman’s rho = 0.633, p < 0.001). There was also a statistically significant difference in IOP between male and female participants (p = 0.027). Conclusion: The study concludes that Nigerian children demonstrate IOP distributions consistent with international findings, but population-specific reference values are required for accurate clinical
assessment.
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