Ocular Health Status of Elderly Patients Attending Geriatric Clinics in Lagos State

The aging population in Nigeria is experiencing a rise in age-related ocular conditions, including cataracts, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration. This study examines the ocular health status of elderly patients attending geriatric outpatient clinics in Lagos State, South West Nigeria. A cross-sectional descriptive design will be adopted, with data collected from 350 patients aged 60 years and above attending the Lagos University Teaching Hospital and two private geriatric clinics. Ocular examinations will include best-corrected visual acuity measurement, intraocular pressure assessment using non-contact tonometry, direct ophthalmoscopy, and anterior segment examination with a slit lamp. Structured interviews will capture sociodemographic characteristics, medical history, and prior eye care utilization. Data will be analyzed using SPSS, with chi-square and logistic regression used to identify associations between systemic diseases and ocular conditions. The study expects to find high prevalence rates of cataracts and glaucoma, with many cases undiagnosed prior to the study. Findings will emphasize the need for proactive geriatric eye care services integrated into existing elderly healthcare frameworks in Lagos. The study also highlights the intersection of systemic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension with ocular morbidity in the elderly. This research adds practical, locally grounded evidence to the growing discourse on geriatric optometry in Nigeria's South West zone. Keywords: elderly, ocular health, geriatric clinics, Lagos, age-related eye disease