AKPALABA R.U.E

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a common indicator of nutritional and general health, but its possible effect on visual performance, especially binocular vision, has not been widely studied. This study investigated how BMI influences binocular vision parameters Near Point of Convergence (NPC) , Amplitude of Accommodation (AoA) , Heterophoria, and Fusional Vergence among healthy young adults. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the University of Benin Optometry Clinic involving 100 participants aged 17–30 years. Participants were grouped as underweight, normal, overweight, or obese based on the World Health Organization (WHO) BMI classification. NPC was measured with a meter rule, AoA using Donder’s push-up method, and both Heterophoria and Fusional Vergence assessed with a phoropter via the von Graefe technique. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson’s correlation at a 0.05 significance level. Results: BMI was significantly associated with NPC recovery (p = 0.047) but not NPC break (p = 0.121). AoA and Heterophoria showed no significant correlations with BMI (p = 0.529; p = 0.154/0.999). Negative Fusional Vergence (NFV) break at 6 m differed significantly across BMI groups (p = 0.043), whereas Decompensated Phoria did not (p = 0.249). BMI also showed a significant relationship with refractive status (p = 0.039),Over weight subject were more of myopic astigmatism and Obese Subject tended towards hyperopic astigmatism. Conclusion: Higher BMI appears to reduce convergence recovery and fusional divergence efficiency, though accommodation and heterophoria remain unaffected. This suggests that excess body weight may compromise oculomotor control through systemic or neuromuscular mechanisms. Incorporating BMI assessment into binocular vision evaluations is recommended to promote both ocular and general health.

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.