title: Prevalence and profile of ophthalmic disorders in oculocutaneous albinism: a field report from South-Eastern Nigeria.
abstract: To assess the burden and spectrum of refractive and non-refractive ophthalmic disorders in south-eastern Nigerians with oculocutaneous albinism. In a population-based survey in Enugu state, between August, 2011 and January, 2012, albinos were identified using the database of the Enugu state's Albino Foundation, and mass media-based mobilisation. The participants were enrolled at the Eye Clinics of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital and Enugu State University of Science and Technology Teaching Hospital using a defined protocol. Relevant socio-demographic and clinical data were obtained from each participant. Descriptive and comparative statistics were performed. Statistical significance was indicated by p < 0.05. The participants (n = 153; males, 70) were aged 23.5 + 10.4 SD years (range 6-60 years). Both refractive and non-refractive disorders were present in all participants. Non-refractive disorders comprised nystagmus, foveal hypoplasia, hypopigmented fundi and prominent choroidal vessels in 100.0% participants; and strabismus in 16.3% participants. Refractive disorders comprised astigmatism -73.2% eyes, myopia -23.9% and hypermetropia 2.9%. Spherical refractive errors ranged from -14.00 DS to +8.00 DS while astigmatic errors ranged from -6.00 DC to +6 DC. Mixed refractive and non-refractive disorder i.e. presenting visual impairment was present in 100.0% participants. Overall, refractive error was associated with non-possession of tertiary education (OR 0.61; 95% CI 0.38-0.96; p = 0.0374). There is high prevalence of refractive, non-refractive and mixed ophthalmic disorders among albinos in south-eastern Nigeria. This underscores the need for tailored provision of resources to address their eye care needs, and creation of needs awareness amongst them.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla, PMB 01139, Enugu, Nigeria.
authors.forename: N N
authors.initials: NN
authors.lastname: Udeh
authors.forename: B I
authors.initials: BI
authors.lastname: Eze
authors.forename: S N
authors.initials: SN
authors.lastname: Onwubiko
authors.forename: O C
authors.initials: OC
authors.lastname: Arinze
authors.forename: E N
authors.initials: EN
authors.lastname: Onwasigwe
authors.forename: R E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Umeh
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016115:Albinism, Oculocutaneous / Q000453:epidemiology*; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009549:Nigeria / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014786:Vision Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*; D055815:Young Adult