Study finds vast refractive correction needs in Bangladesh

In Bangladesh, an estimated 1.5 million men and 1.8 million women lack adequate spectacle correction, according to a nationally representative survey. Almost three-fourths of those who would benefit from correction could be suited by off-the-shelf spectacles, the study authors estimate.

Rupert R. A. Bourne and colleagues in London and Bangladesh surveyed 11,624 adults at least 30 years of age. A demographic interview, visual acuity measurement, automated refraction and optic disc examination were performed on all participants. Those with a VA of less than 6/12 in either eye also had a corrected refraction measurement, cataract grading and dilated retinal examination.

Of the subjects examined, 2,469 (22.1%) were myopes with a refractive error of greater than –0.5 D, and 2,308 (20.6%) were hyperopes with a refractive error of greater than +0.5 D. The percentage of people who had adequate spectacles was 25.2% at a visual acuity cutoff of 6/12 and 40.5% at a cutoff of 6/18. These figures were higher in men and urban inhabitants. Most spectacle wearers had inadequate correction, the authors noted.

“Extrapolation to the national population yields and estimate that 1.5 million (6.7%) adult men and 1.8 million (9.2%) women have an unmet need for refractive correction,” the authors report in the February issue of Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science.