Bilateral Blindness: Prevalence and Their Utilization of Existing Eye Care Facilities in a Nigerian Rural Community

Background: Blindness, which is potentially avoidable, is a serious public health problem globally. This study was carried out to determine prevalence of bilateral blindness and the utilization of existing eye care facilities by the bilaterally blind. Methods: A randomized cross sectional community-based study. Participants were community members aged 5years and above who were selected from 30 enumeration areas determined with EPI INFO V6 statistical software in line with standard practice. They had detailed ocular examinations and data were analyzed with SPSS. Results: Eligible participants were 1,236 (Male: Female = 1:2). Age ranged 5-103 years (median age, 55years). Prevalence of blindness was 4% (49/1236) for which Cataract (42.9%); Glaucoma (24.5%), Couching (10.2%) and Cornea opacity (8.2%) were the common causes. Most of those that were blind (57.1%) had never utilized eye care services available in the study area and lack of awareness was the reason in majority of them. Conclusions: Blindness as a result of avoidable causes is high in this community. Despite this, the level of utilization of available eye care facilities is low and this is mainly as a result of lack of awareness. Eye health promotion campaign at the rural level is recommended.