Nishanth M.N.1, Susan Philip2, Ambily S.3
BACKGROUND
Open angle glaucoma forms a major proportion of glaucomas which is a leading
cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. Anatomical variations in ocular
structures and consequent secondary open angle glaucoma occurs in significant
number of patients afflicted with pseudoexfoliation syndrome. Hence, a detailed
workup and identification of glaucoma and appropriate management is essential
to prevent further visual loss. We wanted to evaluate the incidence of open angle
glaucoma among patients having pseudo exfoliation syndrome at Regional
Institute of Ophthalmology, Trivandrum, Kerala.
METHODS
A cross sectional study comprising 142 individuals with pseudo exfoliation
syndrome was conducted in Regional Institute of Ophthalmology, Trivandrum,
Kerala, over a period of one year. Sociodemographic variables were collected
through structured interviewer administered questionnaire followed by detailed
ocular work up and visual field analysis. Data was analysed using Statistical
Package for Social Sciences, SPSS 16.
RESULTS
Among 142 subjects, 70.4 % were males and 29.6 % were females. The mean
age of participants was 65 years. In studied population, 83.1 % represented rural
population. Incidence of open angle glaucoma among studied population with
pseudoexfoliation was 10.56 % (95 % confidence interval; 5.50 % - 15.61 %). No
case of normal tension glaucoma was identified during the study period. 29.57 %
of subjects showed bilateral pseudoexfoliation. But among patients with
pseudoexfoliation (PEX) glaucoma, 78.9 % had bilateral disease. Mean intra ocular
pressure in eyes with PEX glaucoma was 27.38 ± 5.75 mm Hg and in PEX eyes
without glaucoma was 23.20 ± 1.6 mmHg. Pupillary dilatation was observed to be
less than the normal eyes and was 5.62 mm. 4 % of eyes with PEX had some form
of zonulopathy.
CONCLUSIONS
Hospital based incidence of open angle glaucoma among patients with pseudo
exfoliation is 10.56 %.
