Knowledge and Awareness of Age-Related Eye Conditions among Adults in Oforikrom Municipality, Ghana

Awareness of Age-Related Eye Conditions Among Adults

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4314/e08hmr39

Keywords:

Glaucoma, Macular degeneration, Cataract, presbyopia, Age-related eye conditions

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to assess the level of awareness and knowledge regarding age-related eye conditions among adults in Oforikrom Municipality, Ghana.

Methods: A population-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among adults aged 40 years and above in the Oforikrom Municipality. A structured interviewer-guided questionnaire was used to collect data on demographic characteristics, awareness, knowledge, and sources of information regarding age-related eye conditions. Descriptive statistics were used to present data as frequencies and percentages. A logistic regression analysis was employed to determine relationships between variables.

Results: A total of 250 participants responded to the questionnaire. The mean (±SD) age of the participants was 51.2 (±9.4) years. Of the participants, 55.2% were females, 69.6% were employed, and 80.0% had formal education. Awareness of cataract (94.4%) and glaucoma (74.0%) was high in this population, while they were low for presbyopia (36.4%) and age-related macular degeneration (7.2%). The major sources of information on age-related eye conditions were: family and friends (16.7%), television (14.9%), and healthcare professionals (11.4%). Participants demonstrated low knowledge of the conditions: cat racts (57.2%), glaucoma (82.0%), presbyopia (86.4%) and AMD (97.2%). Religious affiliation (p=0.003), higher level of education (p=0.001) and frequent eye examination (p=0.025) were found to be positively associated with awareness of cataract, glaucoma and AMD, respectively.

Conclusion: The study revealed high awareness of cataract and glaucoma, but low for presbyopia and AMD. Interventions, particularly ocular health education on age-related eye conditions, should be intensified to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment.

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Author Biographies

  • Abdul-Kabir Mohammed, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana

    Prof. Mohammed Abdul-Kabir is an associate professor in the Department of Optometry and Visual Science, Faculty of Biosciences, College of Science, KNUST. He has many publications in reputable peer review journals and conference proceedings. He has given many national and international presentations and lectures in the areas of Paediatric eye care, Binocular Vision and Public health. He uses his expertise to serve as reviewer for reputable local and international peer review journals. He has served as an external examiner and moderator for a number of institutions and has also chaired the Ghana Optometric Association’s Examiners Board for a long period. He is an examiner for the Optometry Licensure Examination of Allied Health Professions Council of Ghana.

  • Michael Kwesi Asante, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana

    Dr. Michael Kwesi Asante is a clinical optometrist and researcher affiliated with the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. His research interests lie in retinal degeneration, visual neuroscience, and the underlying mechanisms of eye growth and myopia development. He also practices at Robert and Sons Ltd Optical Services, where he provides patient-centered eye care.

  • Abdul-Sadik Ahmed, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana

    Dr Abdul-Sadik Ahmed is a Lecturer, and an Optometric Physician in the Department of Optometry and Visual Science, KNUST. He has served as an outreach coordinator, clinical externship coordinator, examination officer for the Department of Optometry and Visual Science, and Faculty of Biosciences representative on the College of Science Board, KNUST. Dr Ahmed has participated in quite a number of joint research projects and medical outreaches. He was part of the group that conducted Refractive Error Study in School Children (RESC) - Ghana which was funded by the World Council of Optometry (WCO). Dr Ahmed has several publications in the field of optometry, ophthalmology, and vision science.

  • Bright Boakye, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana

    Dr. Bright Boakye is currently an Optometrist at Indigo Eye Care Center, Techiman. He completed the Doctor of Optometry degree at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in 2023. He wishes to specialize in clinical optometry. His interests include general optometry, ocular disease diagnosis and management, and patient education.

  • Felix Kofi Awuriki, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana

    Dr. Felix Kofi Awuriki is an optometrist and a public health care advocate. He holds a Doctor of Optometry degree from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and recently completed his Master of Philosophy in Vision Science at the same institution. Dr. Awuriki is the President and Founder of the Perfect Vision Doctors Network and Perfect Vision Eye Care Clinic, a premier facility dedicated to community eye care. He is a reviewer for reputable journals. His impactful contributions to eye care have earned him numerous accolades, including the 2021 Eye Health Hero Honor (IAPB), 2023 Best Optometrist of the Year (Ashanti Zone), the 2024 Karen Sparrow Scholarship (Peek Vision, UK), and the 2024 International Travel.

  • Prince Mintah, University of Alabama, Birmingham, USA

    Dr. Prince Mintah is a Ghanaian-trained Optometrist and current PhD student at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA, specializing in visual neuroscience, molecular mechanisms of photoreceptor function and ocular biomechanics. He holds a Doctor of Optometry degree from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana, where he previously served as a research and teaching assistant. He has participated in multiple eye health screening programs across Ghana, delivering care and education to underserved populations. Driven by curiosity, collaboration, and compassion, he aims to contribute meaningfully to the global discourse on vision science and ocular disease prevention.

  • Nana Yaa Koomson, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana

    Dr. Nana Yaa Koomson is a dedicated optometrist and public health advocate affiliated with the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. Her areas of specialization include myopia, public health optometry, and contact lenses. Dr. Koomson's work focuses on addressing and mitigating the impacts of myopia and improving overall eye health through public health initiatives, demonstrating her commitment to advancing optometric practice and education.

  • Richchris Konadu Yiadom, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana

    Dr. Richchris Konadu Yiadom is a licensed optometrist at Dosonec Hospital, Kumasi. He is a member of Ghana Optometric Association. His work bridges clinical practice with evidence-based research to advance patient care. He completed the Doctor of Optometry course at KNUST in 2023. His research interests are in Neuroscience, vision science and public health.

  • Isabella Amoabeng Sam, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana

    Isabella Amoabeng Sam is currently pursuing Disability and Rehabilitation Studies at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). She works with a non-governmental organization as the Chief Programs Officer, contributing to advocacy and community-based initiatives aimed at promoting disability inclusion. Her academic and professional interests include accessibility, disability rights, inclusive development, and social policy. She is passionate about advancing equity for persons with disabilities through research, public engagement, and policy advocacy.

  • Stephanie Adjei, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana

    Stephanie Adjei is currently a Doctor of Optometry candidate at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), with strong interests in retinal diseases, clinical optometry, and public health. Driven by a passion for advancing eye care, she is committed to bridging the gap between clinical practice, cutting-edge research, and community health initiatives.

  • Ernest Kumi Dartey, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana

    Dr. Ernest Dartey Kumi currently works as an optometrist at the Asamang SDA hospital, Agona-Asamang, Kumasi. He completed the Doctor of Optometry program in 2023 at KNUST. He is interested in public health and Artificial Intelligence (AI in eye care.

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Published

01/14/2026

Issue

Vol. 44 No. 1 (2026)

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How to Cite

Knowledge and Awareness of Age-Related Eye Conditions among Adults in Oforikrom Municipality, Ghana: Awareness of Age-Related Eye Conditions Among Adults . (2026). Journal of Science and Technology, 44(1), 47-64. https://doi.org/10.4314/e08hmr39