Visual Impairment and Blindness from Retinal Diseases in New Patients at A North-Central Nigerian Tertiary Hospital

Abstract

Background: Visual impairment, ranging from low vision to blindness, is a growing global problem affecting about 2.2 billion people in 2026, with many cases preventable. Retinal diseases are a major cause, especially in developing regions, emphasizing the need for early detection and intervention. Aims: To determine the burden and pattern of visual impairment and blindness, with focus on retinal diseases among new patients attending a tertiary eye-care centre in North-Central Nigeria. Study Design: A hospital-based, cross-sectional study Place and Duration of Study: Department of Ophthalmology, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos, Plateau State, conducted from June-December 2014. Methodology: Consecutive adult patients (≥18 years) were recruited. Presenting and best corrected visual acuity (VA) were assessed using standard protocols and classified according to WHO criteria. Ocular examination including mydriatic posterior segment examination was carried out to diagnose patients with retinal diseases. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 19, with statistical significance set at P< .05. Results: Of the 278 participants (556 eyes), 6.1% were blind, 1.4% had severe visual impairment (SVI) and 15.4% were visually impaired (VI) at presentation. After best correction, 5.4% remained blind, 0.7% had SVI, 7.9% had VI. Posterior-segment diseases were identified in 43.5% of patients and 49% of eyes. Of these, 25% of eyes were blind at presentation while 3.4% had SVI and 16.9% were visually impaired. Patients with retinal disease were nearly twice as likely to be blind both at presentation (9.5%) and after best correction (9.5%) compared to those with non-retinal conditions (4.9% and 3.9%, respectively), although the differences were not statistically significant (P > .05). Retinal diseases accounted for over 22% of blindness after best correction among affected eyes. Conclusion: The burden of visual impairment and blindness remains high in North-Central Nigeria, with retinal diseases emerging as a major contributor to irreversible blindness. These findings underscore the urgent need for early detection strategies, improved retinal diagnostic and treatment capabilities and integration of posterior-segment disease management into routine eye-care services. Strengthening referral systems and public awareness initiatives are critical to reducing the burden of avoidable blindness in this population.