Prevalence and Determinants of Visual Impairment among individuals Aged 40 Years and above Attending Military Hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background Visual impairment (VI) is a major public health issue in Ethiopia, particularly among adults aged 40 years and older. Many cases are linked to preventable or treatable causes. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and determinants of VI within this demographic at military hospitals in Addis Ababa. Objective To determine the prevalence of visual impairment and identify associated factors among individuals aged 40 years and above attending selected military hospitals in Addis Ababa. Methods A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from January 20 to February 20, 2025, involving 213 participants selected through systematic random sampling (every 8th eligible adult patient from the follow-up registry). Data were collected using structured questionnaires and standardized vision assessment tools. Descriptive statistics summarized demographic and clinical characteristics. Chi-square tests evaluated associations between categorical variables and VI. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses identified significant predictors, with a p-value threshold of < 0.05. Results A total of 213 individuals participated in the study, achieving a 100% response rate. The mean age of participants was 56 years (± SD), with a median age of 53 years. The prevalence of visual impairment was 51.6% (n = 110). Major associated conditions included cataracts (33.8%, n = 72), hypertension (29.1%, n = 62), and diabetes mellitus (25.8%, n = 55). Significant predictors of VI included older age, cataracts, glaucoma, refractive errors, diabetes mellitus, cigarette smoking, and difficulty watching television. Conclusion Visual impairment affects over half of the study population and is significantly associated with modifiable and age-related factors. There is an urgent need for early detection and targeted eye care services for this high-risk group.