Study of the Association between Neurological Disorders and Visual Function Impairments at the Ophthalmology Unit of Douala General Hospital, Cameroon

Background: In Cameroon, little is known about the visual repercussions of neurological disorders, according to the available literature. Local data could improve screening, prevention, and treatment, particularly at Douala General Hospital (DGH). This study aimed to analyze this association within the ophthalmology unit of the DGH. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study at the ophthalmology department of Douala General Hospital over five years (2015-2020), including 77 patients. Sociodemographic data, medical history, ophthalmological causes of visual acuity decline, as well as neurological manifestations and aetiologias, were collected from patient records. Statistical analysis, performed using R software, employed binomial logistic regression to calculate odds ratios (OR), confidence intervals (CI), and p-values, identifying neurological disorders associated with visual impairments. Results: The mean age of the patients was 59.38 ± 18.15 years. The most represented age group was 70 - 91 years (36.4%). Females were predominant (male-to-female ratio: 0.87). A total of 44 (57.14%) patients presented with vision impairments. The main neurological aetiologias were ischemic stroke (58.4%), hemorrhagic stroke (19.5%), and epilepsy (11.7%). Neurological disorders associated with visual function abnormalities included hemorrhagic stroke (OR = 3.75; 95% CI: 1.96 - 14.61; p = 0.02), Devic’s disease (OR = 3.20; 95% CI: 1.34 - 30.06; p = 0.001), and migraines (OR = 2.52; 95% CI: 1.3 - 17.55; p = 0.003). Conclusion: Neurological disorders such as hemorrhagic stroke, Devic’s disease, and migraines are associated with visual function impairment.