Objective: To determine the prevalence of presbyopia, near vision spectacle use, and near vision spectacle coverage among cosmetologists in Mushin Local Government Area of Lagos State with the view of creating awareness, improving productivity and quality of life.
Materials and methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study, conducted among 251 cosmetologists aged ≥ 30 years. All participants had a standardized protocol including visual acuity assessment (distance and near), anterior and posterior segment examinations, and refraction. Spectacle usage, work, productivity impact, and near vision-related quality of life (NVQoL) information were obtained with the 12-item Near Vision-Related Quality of Life Questionnaire, the Spectacle Usage section of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Spectacle and Work Productivity Questionnaire. Data obtained was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 23 (IBM Corp. Armonk, NY).
Results: Two hundred and fifty-one cosmetologists were studied with a male to female ratio of 1:6.4 and overall mean age of 43.9 ± 6.5 years. The prevalence of presbyopia was 67.3% and the unmet need was 51.3%. Eighty-four percent of presbyopic participants reported severe difficulty with their NVQoL compared to 16% of non-presbyopes. There was a statistically significant association between uncorrected presbyopia and reduced NVQoL (P < 0.001).
Conclusion: This study demonstrated a relatively high prevalence of presbyopia, high unmet need, and a significant reduction in the near vision-related quality of life. This indicates the need for improved access to refractive services and spectacles among this group of artisans in whom near vision plays an indispensable role.
Keywords: Cosmetologists; Nigeria; near vision- spectacle coverage; presbyopia.
Copyright: © 2022 Journal of the West African College of Surgeons.