Neelima Sarkar1, Jitendra Manghani2, Madhu Chanchlani3, Bharati Soni4
Early detection and management of glaucoma can reduce the visual morbidity. As the population-based screening programs were not cost effective because of low prevalence of glaucoma in general population, this study was aimed at screening by the comprehensive eye checkup at hospital attending patients for any possibility of developing glaucoma in future and if detected to evaluate the extent of damage suffered at initial diagnosis and to provide treatment.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A cross-sectional survey conducted on participants aging 40 years or older attending eye department from March 2013 to February 2014. All were subjected to a pre-structured questionnaires. Data on demographics collected besides screening and evaluating each patient for glaucoma by extensive comprehensive eye checkup. The results were analysed.
RESULTS
924 patients participated in this study from urban and semi-urban areas having similar ethnicity. The mean age was 52 (range 28 – 76 yrs.); 146 (15.8%) were labelled as glaucoma suspects. Optic nerve head changes of glaucoma suspects were noted and correlated with visual field defects and intraocular pressure; 28 (3.03%) were detected to have various types of glaucoma.
CONCLUSION
Comprehensive eye checkup to screen glaucoma in hospital attending patients proved a good measure to detect and manage glaucoma at the earliest as is shown in result of this study; 3.03% were detected with various types of glaucoma, of which 1.62% had POAG. All patients were managed conservatively and surgically as per need. Proper training of optometrists will also be an effective step in early detection, management and preventing this blinding disease.
