University Hospital Wales, Department of Ophthalmology, Heath Park Way, Cardiff, CF14 4XW, UK.
University Hospital Wales, School of Optometry & Vision Sciences, Maindy Road, Cathays, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ, UK.
Eye (Lond). 2021 Oct;35(10):2727-2732. doi: 10.1038/s41433-020-01271-6. Epub 2020 Nov 24.
BACKGROUND/AIMS: To investigate visual impairment and disability, refractive error, and barriers to eye care in the homeless in Cardiff, United Kingdom.
Prospective cross-sectional study carried out on participants in homeless shelters in Cardiff. We collected participants socio-demographic profile, ocular history and access to eyecare services. Quantitative data included near and distance visual acuity and a non-cycloplegic refraction.
A total of 100 participants were studied in this study. Prevalence of myopia was 19% and hyperopia 17%. Mean SE (Spherical Equivalent) for myopia -2.42D (95% CI: -1.65 to -3.19 D), for hyperopia this was +2.22D (95% CI: + 1.66 to +2.79). The prevalence of astigmatism was 36% (mean: 1.67 D, 95% CI: -0.88 to 0.94, n = 100). The number of participants with visual acuity (VA) worse than 6/12 was 11% in comparison to 0.89% and 1.1% in the general Cardiff and Welsh population respectively (p < 0.05). Additionally, 1% of the homeless subjects were registerable as blind (visual acuity worse than 3/60 in the better eye). Barriers to eyecare services were high, with 50% not seen by an optometrist within the last 5 years.
These findings indicate a significant disparity in ocular health, visual acuity and refractive error amongst the homeless in comparison with the general population.
背景/目的：调查英国卡迪夫无家可归者的视力障碍和残疾、屈光不正以及眼科保健障碍。
对卡迪夫收容所的参与者进行前瞻性横断面研究。我们收集了参与者的社会人口统计学概况、眼部病史和获得眼科保健服务的情况。定量数据包括近视力和远视力以及非睫状肌麻痹验光。
本研究共纳入 100 名参与者。近视患病率为 19%，远视患病率为 17%。近视的平均 SE（球镜等效值）为-2.42D（95%CI：-1.65 至-3.19D），远视为+2.22D（95%CI：+1.66 至+2.79）。散光的患病率为 36%（平均：1.67D，95%CI：-0.88 至 0.94，n=100）。视力（VA）低于 6/12 的参与者比例为 11%，而卡迪夫和威尔士普通人群的这一比例分别为 0.89%和 1.1%（p<0.05）。此外，1%的无家可归者可被登记为盲人（较好眼的视力低于 3/60）。眼科保健服务的障碍很高，50%的参与者在过去 5 年内没有接受过验光师的检查。
与普通人群相比，这些发现表明无家可归者的眼部健康、视力和屈光不正存在显著差异。
