Anthropometric Parameters Affecting Ocular Axial Length in Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

Aim: To determine the anthropometric parameters affecting ocular axial length in Niger Delta region of Nigeria.

Methods: This was a community based descriptive study carried out in Port Harcourt City LGA, Nigeria using a multistage random sampling technique. Inclusion criteria were Visual Acuity > 6/18, age greater than 18 years and no history of past ocular surgeries or trauma. Socio demographic data was obtained through an interviewer based proforma and included age, sex and tribe. Anthropometric parameters were measured using a standard height and weight automated scale (SECA 769,220). Ocular examinations done included visual acuity, applanation tonometry, and ophthalmoscopy. Axial length (AL) was measured using Amplitude (A) scan ultrasonography (SONOMED PACSCAN 300AP). Data obtained from one eye of the subjects were analyzed using SPSS (Version 17), and P value was set at ≤ .05.

Results: The study was made up of two hundred and twelve (212) males (45.5%) and two hundred and fifty four (254) females (54.5%) with M: F ratio of 1:1.2 giving a total of four hundred and sixty six (466) subjects. The age range was 18-92 years and mean age of the subjects studied 43.0±14.2 years. Findings revealed mean AL, Height and Weight to be (23.2±1.0 mm), (162.5±9 cm) and (70.5±14.8 kg) respectively. The mean AL was greater in males than females. There was a statistically significant relationship between height and AL in both gender with AL increasing by 0.035mm (p=0.001, r=0.261) with one centimeter change in height in males and 0.025 mm (p=0.001, r=0.2680) in females. There was also a statistically significant (0.009 mm) increase in AL per one kilogram change in weight in females (p=0.0001, r=0.188).

Conclusion: This study noted that there are significant relationships between AL and height and weight respectively. This could add to the data bank for AL in the country and form a basis for identifying deviations from the normal, for further research.