Abstract

Background: The axial length of the eye is the distance between the centre of the cornea and the retina. This is one of the determinants of the refractive state of the eye and a knowledge of this is useful in intraocular lens power calculation during cataract surgery. The main objective of this study is to report the normal distribution of axial length and refractive. Status of the adult eye in South Western Nigeria. Methods: A multistage cluster random sampling technique was used to select participants. In Sagamu Local Government, who had axial length determination, automated refraction and biometry done. Results: Three hundred and two adults participated in this study. There were 121 (40%) males. In 83% the axial length ranged between 22 mm and 24.5 mm. The mean axial length was 23.31±0.91mm with males being significantly longer [p<0.001] and a progressive increase noted between 18 to 40 years of age. There were 213 participants with refractive errors, 55% were hyperopic while 16% were myopic. Axial length also showed a statistically significant but weak [R2 = 0.07] inverse correlation with the refractive states of the eye. Conclusion: Axial length of the adult eye in South Western Nigeria was found to be inversely related to; but not an independently strong determinant of the refractive state of the eye..

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