ACCOMMODATIVE DISORDERS AMONG CHILDREN AGED 6-12 YEARS IN BENIN CITY, NIGERIA

Edah Tamunominabo; Gloria Oiyahumen Anetor; John Anetor; Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu

doi:10.22270/ujpr.v11i4.1627

Edah Tamunominabo Department of Public Health, National Open University of Nigeria, PMB 581, Abuja, Nigeria.
Gloria Oiyahumen Anetor Department of Public Health, National Open University of Nigeria, PMB 581, Abuja, Nigeria.
John Anetor Department of Chemical Pathology, University of Ibadan, Nigeria.
Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu Department of Biomedical and Laboratory Science, Africa University, Mutare, Zimbabwe. Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.

10.22270/ujpr.v11i4.1627

Keywords:

accommodative disorders, binocular vision anomalies, Nigeria, school-aged children, vision

Abstract

Background: Accommodative disorders are common functional vision problems in school-aged children and are frequently overlooked during routine eye examinations. These disorders can adversely affect visual comfort, reading efficiency, and academic performance.

Aim: To determine the prevalence, distribution, and associated factors of accommodative disorders among children aged 6–12 years in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted among primary school children aged 6–12 years in Benin city using a multistage sampling technique.

Method: Comprehensive eye examinations were performed, including distance and near visual acuity, refraction, accommodative amplitude, accommodative facility, near point of accommodation, and binocular vision assessment. Accommodative disorders were diagnosed using standard clinical criteria. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests, with statistical significance set at p< 0.05.

Result: Of the 420 children initially recruited, 372 met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed (attrition rate: 11.4%). The mean age was 9.97±1.78 years, with a near-equal gender distribution (51.9% females, 48.1% males). The overall prevalence of accommodative disorders was 23.7%. Accommodative insufficiency was the most prevalent disorder (14.0%), followed by accommodative infacility (5.6%) and accommodative excess (4.0%). No significant associations were observed with age group or local government area.

Conclusion: Accommodative disorders are common among children aged 6–12 years in Benin City, with accommodative insufficiency being the predominant subtype. Prolonged near work is a major modifiable risk factor. Incorporating accommodative and binocular vision assessments into routine school eye health programs is essential for early detection and improved educational outcomes.

Peer Review History:

Received 3 June 2026; Reviewed 8 July 2026; Accepted 6 August; Available online 15 September 2026

Academic Editor: Dr. Emmanuel O. Olorunsola, Department of Pharmaceutics & Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Uyo, Nigeria, [email protected]