Prevalence of Ocular Conditions and Unmet Refractive Errors in an Underserved Community in Ensenada, Mexico

Abstract

Purpose : Uncorrected refractive errors (UREs) and ocular conditions are associated with decreased quality of life, with ocular conditions leading to deficits in activities of daily living. Globally, there are widespread disparities in access to care and preventative services, with individuals of lower socioeconomic status (SES) disproportionately affected by UREs and ocular conditions. Using a retrospective chart review, the goal of this study was to assess the burden of UREs, need for spectacles, and ocular conditions in an underserved community in Ensenada, Mexico.

Methods : A retrospective chart review was conducted on 122 patients from an underserved community in Ensenada, Mexico with limited access to healthcare services. An initial visual screening was performed on all patients using a Snellen eye chart and portable ocular screening device to assess for UREs or other ocular conditions. Patients determined to have ocular conditions then underwent a comprehensive eye exam by an ophthalmologist to assess common eye diseases. Ready-made reading spectacles were provided to patients with UREs and novel 3D-printed glasses were provided to children identified with amblyopia or strabismus.

Results : During two annual trips, a total of 122 patients received a comprehensive eye exam. The average age was 32.6 years old (SD= 24.19), ranging from 2 to 87-years old. Of the 122 patients, 77 were female and 45 were male with all the patients being Hispanic. A total of 63 patients (51.5%) were identified with having an uncorrected visual impairment or URE with the most prevalent diagnoses including cataracts (N=15, 12.3%), presbyopia (N=14, 11.5%), hyperopia (N=11, 9.0%), pterygium (N=5, 4.1%), amblyopia (N=5, 4.1%), and astigmatism (N=3, 2.5%). A total of 36 pairs of ready-made reading spectacles were given to individuals with UREs and 3 pairs of 3D-printed glasses were provided to children with amblyopia or strabismus.

Conclusions : This study illustrates the high number of unmet eye care needs in an underserved community in Ensenada, Mexico. Of the 122 patients receiving a comprehensive eye exam, cataracts and UREs were the most common visual disturbances observed. These results mirror global trends in low-income communities that implicate cataracts and UREs as leading causes in visual impairments and illustrate the importance of routine eye examination and need for spectacles in underserved communities.

This abstract was presented at the 2024 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Seattle, WA, May 5-9, 2024.