Profile of Glaucoma Patients in a Tertiary Eye Centre of Nepal

Abstract

Introduction: Glaucoma is the second leading cause of worldwide irreversible blindness affecting all age groups, gender and race. Systemic diseases and refractive status are some riskfactors which may be associated. This study was done to understand the burden of the disease and to improve the treatment of glaucoma patients attending the hospital.

Method: Medical records of all patients attending glaucoma clinic at Nepal Eye Hospital from1st January 2016 to 31st July 2017 was collected from record section and the retrospective data was analyzed.

Result: Mean age of patients was 56.45 years. Most patients were from Kathmandu followed by Lalitpur and Dhading. Primary open angle glaucoma was more prevalent (59%) followed by Primary angle closure glaucoma (15%).Secondary glaucoma was 10%. Most common secondary glaucoma was neovascular glaucoma (38%) followed by uveitis (20%). Myopia was more common in primary open angle glaucoma (46.2%).Prevalence of glaucoma increased after the age of 40.There was more number of patients with visual impairment in angle closure glaucoma.

Conclusion: Primary glaucoma was more common than secondary glaucoma. The prevalence of primary glaucoma increases with age. Angle closure screening should be done earlier to prevent early visual impairment due to Angle closure glaucoma. Much has to be on glaucoma awareness.