Refractive errors, visual impairment and the use of low vision devices for albinism in somalia

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to evaluate the most common type of refractive error in albinism patients and to find out the appropriate devices that they use.

METHOD: A cross sectional study was conducted on the albinism patients in Somalia from September 2021 till December 2021. All patients were aged between 7 to 45 years. Consent was taken from all the patients. Self designed proformas were filled online due to covid restrictions. Data was analyzed by SPSS 25.

RESULTS: A total of 68 forms were filled by the participants. The age groups was divided into 7-20 years (54%), 21-30years (40%) and 31-45(6%) years. The ratio of male and female was 68% and 32% respectively. Mainly hypermetropia (47%) and astigmatism (38%) were the refractive errors, 78% of the patients had refractive problem by birth. Among those, 99% were sensitive to sunlight. Most patients were using optical devices which are (75%) and non-optical devices was less used (18%).

CONCLUSIONS: Hypermetropia was the main refractive problem of albinism patients in Somalia. Most albinos preferred filtered spectacles and other optical devices over non-optical devices.

KEYWORDS:   Refractive error, Visual impairment, Albinism, Low vision.