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