ABSTRACT
We present the prevalence and determinants of glaucoma among subjects 40 years of age and older in Qatar. This community-based survey was held in 2009 at 49 randomly selected clusters. Demographic details and history of glaucoma was collected by the nurses. Ophthalmologists evaluated the optic disc and retina using a digital camera housed in a mobile van. Visual field was tested with an automated perimeter, the intraocular pressure with an applanation tonometer and the angle of the anterior chamber by gonioscopy. A panel of glaucoma experts diagnosed subjects with glaucoma. This survey enrolled 3,149 [97.3%] participants. The age- and sex-adjusted prevalence of glaucoma in the population aged 40 years and older was 1.73% [95% confidence intervals [CI] 1.69-1.77]. Accordingly, 5,641 individuals in this age group in Qatar would have glaucoma. Chronological age of 60 years and older [Odds ratio [OR] 11. l] and the presence of myopia [OR 1.78] were predictors of glaucoma. Open-angle glaucoma was diagnosed in 44 [65.7%] individuals with glaucoma. In nine [13.4%] and 15 [20.9%] subjects, angle closure glaucoma and other [post-traumatic, pseudoexfoliation] glaucoma were present. Bilateral blindness [vision <3/60] and severe visual impairment [<6/60] were found in four [6%] and three [4.5%] subjects with glaucoma, respectively. Glaucoma was treated in 36 [54%] subjects. The prevalence of glaucoma among citizens of Qatar aged 40 years and older was 1.71%. Glaucoma was associated with the age of 60 years and older and the presence of myopia
ABSTRACT
To determine and describe the epidemiological characteristics of open globe injuries in children less than, and equal to, 14 years of age at Hamad Medical Corporation [HMC], Doha, Qatar. One hundred and three patients with open globe injuries were treated at HMC between September 1992 and June 2004. Data was collected retrospectively on: age in years; gender; nationality; hospital stay in days; cause of injury; type and severity of injury; site. Presence and type of intra ocular foreign body; visual acuity at initial presentation to the hospital, post surgical repair, and last best corrected vision. We used the Auto chart projector to check visual acuity and Topcon slitlamp for eye examination. Male to female ratio was 4:1. Injuries were more common in the age range 3-10 years. Sixty-four percent of injuries affected the right eye. Eighty-six percent of injuries were penetration type. The most common object, which caused injury, was glass, followed by knives, pencils, and stones. The cornea was the most common entry site [73%]. One patient presented with a metallic intra-ocular foreign body. Fifty-nine [57.3%] of patients had final visual acuity of 6/18 or better. Although advances in the repair and treatment of open globe trauma have improved visual prognosis, prevention of injury through health education and creating awareness remains the first line of defence