OBJECTIVES: In the meantime, older populations are increasing rapidly in the whole world and thus, age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataract and diabetic retinopathy are becoming common. Hot and dusty environment, inadequate access to water and poor facial hygiene are risk factors for blindness. This study explored prevalence of eye problems and the basic characteristics and risk factors associated with eye problems among older people living in rural area of Lewe Township, Naypyitaw Union Territory, Myanmar.

METHODS: Lewe Township was purposively selected due to its high prevalence of eye problems. A cross-sectional study was conducted and simple random sampling was applied to achieve desired sample size. The structured questionnaires were used to collect data including screening of eye problems from 414 elderly populations. Frequency, percentage, mean, SD and other descriptive analysis were determined and chi-square test for associations was constructed.

RESULTS: Cataract was the highest prevalence rate with 40.8% followed by refractive error (27.3%) and pterygium (12.8%) among older people population in research area. While knowledge level indicated good level (88.4%), good attitude level (21.3%) and good practice level (27.1%) were noticeably low among older people. In the meantime, there were significant associations between age (p=0.003) and education level (p=0.001) with knowledge level of older people while age (p=0.001), education level (p<0.001), occupation (p=0.038) showed statistically association with attitude level.

CONCLUSIONS: The study noticed that higher prevalence of eye problems with relatively poor level of eye care seeking practice and unawareness on risk factors in targeted community. Knowledge and awareness for changing attitude about eye problems, eye care seeking behaviour and preventive practices should be accomplished more.