optometry

Non-communicable diseases like high blood pressure, diabetes, and glaucoma cause serious health issues and hardships in sub-Saharan Africa, often made worse by a lack of access to regular medical services. This research examines how the leaf extracts from Sorghum bicolor and Andrographis paniculata affect blood pressure, blood sugar, and eye pressure in healthy adults, both separately and together. One hundred and seventy-four (174) participants (mean age 34.3 ± 7.1 years) received single administrations of hot aqueous extracts of S. bicolor, A. paniculata, or a 1:1 mixed extract. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure (mmHg), fasting blood glucose (mg/dL) and IOP (mmHg, right eye [RE] and left eye [LE]) were measured at baseline and four hours post- administration. The results revealed statistically significant reductions (p < 0.05) across all parameters in all treatment groups. For Sorghum bicolor, systolic pressure decreased from 126.15 ± 15.9 to 120.80 ± 15.0 mmHg, diastolic pressure from 85.60 ± 11.1 to 80.03 ± 10.4 mmHg, blood glucose from 82.86 ± 14.61 to 70.39 ± 11.99 mg/dL, and IOP from 16.88 ± 2.5 to 15.83 ± 1.6 mmHg (right eye) and from 17.14 ± 1.93 to 16.12 ± 1.8 mmHg (left eye). Similar reductions were observed with Andrographis paniculata, where systolic pressure fell from 129.44 ± 14.7 to 121.20 ± 16.9 mmHg, diastolic pressure from 84.60 ± 13.3 to 77.13 ± 11.4 mmHg, and blood glucose from 83.61 ± 13.2 to 75.26 ± 11.43 mg/dL, while IOP decreased to 14.49 ± 2.0 mmHg (right) and 15.98 ± 2.0 mmHg (left). The combined extract produced the greatest effect, with systolic pressure reducing from 134.63 ± 15.7 to 128.68 ± 15.9 mmHg, diastolic pressure from 87.10 ± 22.1 to 77.90 ± 12.2 mmHg, blood glucose from 80.42 ± 12.04 to 74.40 ± 10.20 mg/dL, and IOP from 15.94 ± 1.8 to 14.94 ± 2.0 mmHg (right) and 15.67 ± 1.5 to 15.13 ± 2.7 mmHg (left). These results demonstrate that both Sorghum bicolor and Andrographis paniculata extracts—singularly and in combination—can significantly lower blood pressure, blood glucose, and intraocular pressure within a short period following administration. The enhanced effects observed with the combined extract suggest possible synergistic interactions between their phytochemical constituents.

Background: Dual sensory impairment, involving both visual and auditory deficiencies, significantly impacts an individual’s ability to communicate, learn, and navigate their environment. Research suggested that hearing-impaired individuals were at a higher risk of developing ocular abnormalities, including refractive errors and contrast sensitivity deficits. Given their reliance on vision for communication, understanding the prevalence and nature of visual impairment in this population was crucial for effective healthcare interventions. Purpose: To determine the relationship between visual and hearing impairment in affected individuals. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the school for the hearing impaired in Benin City using purposive sampling. Participants were selected based on inclusion criteria, with demographic and hearing-impairment data obtained from school records and teachers. Visual assessments included Tumbling E visual acuity testing, ophthalmoscopy, retinoscopy, subjective refraction, contrast sensitivity testing using the Pelli-Robson chart, and cover test. Data were collected using structured forms and analyzed using SPSS Version 25.0. Data Analysis: Descriptive and inferential statistical methods were employed. The prevalence of visual impairment and contrast sensitivity abnormalities was determined. Chi-square tests assessed associations between age, gender, and dual sensory impairment. Results: Among the 100 hearing-impaired participants examined, hyperopia (34%) was the most common refractive anomaly, followed by compound hyperopic astigmatism (15%), while mixed astigmatism (4%) was the least. Visual impairment before correction was 6%, and after refraction, normal vision increased to 96% with 2% impaired. Contrast sensitivity was normal in 96% of participants, with 2% showing mild reduction. No severe visual impairment, blindness, or significant association with age or gender was found. Conclusion: Hearing-impaired individuals showed a high prevalence of correctable refractive errors. Most visual deficits improved with refraction, underscoring the importance of routine vision screening and timely optical correction in schools for the hearing impaired. Contribution to Optometry: This study provided valuable insights into the relationship between visual and auditory impairments, supporting improved screening and management strategies for individuals with dual sensory impairment.