Abstract:
To determine the prevalence and causes of visual impairment and blindness among
cocoa farmers in Ghana in order to formulate early intervention strategies.
Methods: A cross-sectional study using multistage random sampling from four cocoa growing
districts in Ghana was conducted from November 2013 to April 2014. A total of 512 cocoa farmers
aged 40 years and older were interviewed and examined. The brief interview questionnaire was
administered to elicit information on the demographics and socioeconomic details of participants.
The examination included assessment of visual acuity (VA), retinoscopy, subjective refraction,
direct ophthalmoscopy, slit-lamp biomicroscopy and intraocular pressure (IOP). For quality assurance,
a random sample of cocoa farmers were selected and re-examined independently.
Results: Moderate to severe visual impairment (VA <6/18 to 3/60 in the better-seeing eye) was
present in 89 participants (17.4%) and 27 (5.3%) were blind (presenting VA <3/60 in the better
eye) defined using presenting VA. The main causes of visual impairment were cataract (45, 38.8%),
uncorrected refractive error (42, 36.2%), posterior segment disorders (15, 12.9%), and corneal
opacity (11, 9.5%).
Conclusion: The prevalence of visual impairment and blindness among cocoa farmers in Ghana is
relatively high. The major causes of visual impairment and blindness are largely preventable or
treatable, indicating the need for early eye care service interventions.
