Specific causes of blindness and vision impairment in a rural area of Southern Togo

PURPOSE: To determine prevalences of specific causes of blindness and visual impairment in a rural area of Southern Togo. Method: A transversal exhaustive screening was conducted. The sample consisted of the inhabitants aged 5 years and over. From the census, 2293 persons were expected, however, 1738 (75.80%) responded and underwent screening. Each participant had complete ocular examination, and data collected were processed for analysis. RESULTS: The mean age of all participants was 28.02 years, men were predominant. The prevalence of bilateral visual impairment was 2.13%, prevalence of unilateral impairment was 1.15%. Bilateral blindness prevalence was 2.47%, while unilateral blindness prevalence was 2. 65%. Main ocular blinding diseases and their prevalences were as follows: cataracts (8.34%), glaucoma (1.90%), corneal opacities (1. 09%). Women were more affected by bilateral visual impairment, bilateral blindness and cataract.: p= 0.0106 Men were more affected by glaucoma, corneal opacities and unilateral blindness.Participants aged 55 years and over were at high risk of blindness and visual impairment; p= 0.0104. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that prevalence of blindness is high, and its major causes are cataract, glaucoma and corneal opacities. A prevention strategy is therefore needed and targeted to these diseases.