ABSTRACT
Purpose: To determine the proportion of erroneously assumed ocular hypertension (OHT) among referred patients of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) seen in glaucoma clinic of a teaching hospital in Northern India. Methods: Retrospective review of case records of referred, diagnosed patients of OHT or unspecified glaucoma seen between January 2019 and March 2020. Using an algorithmic clinical approach, including gonioscopy, Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT), and pachymetry, underlying cause for elevated?IOP was amended and proportion of erroneously assumed OHT was calculated. Results: Of 276 patients diagnosed either as OHT or unspecified glaucoma before being seen at our glaucoma clinic, 44 (16%) had IOP within normal range (10–21 mmHg) on GAT. In 97 (35%) cases elevated?IOP was associated with angle closure. The central corneal thickness (CCT) was >550 ?m in 39 (14%) patients with elevated?IOP. The proportion of erroneously assumed OHT was 70% in this study. Conclusion: The elevated-IOP does not imply with OHT unless evident through comprehensive clinical examination and appropriate investigations.
ABSTRACT
Background: Studies done on the prevalence of glaucoma have reported a high proportion of undiagnosed patients. Late diagnosis is related to increased risk of glaucoma associated with visual disability. Lack of awareness and non‑availability of appropriate screening procedures are among the major reasons for non‑diagnosis or late diagnosis of glaucoma. The present study has been undertaken to evaluate the level of awareness about glaucoma among the North Indian rural population. Materials and Methods: A group‑administered, questionnaire‑based survey, involving 5000 rural residents (aged 20 and above) was conducted through random sampling. The questionnaire was structured to evaluate the level of awareness and knowledge about glaucoma and the effect of gender, education status, and glaucoma diagnosis was also studied. The source of awareness about glaucoma was also questioned. Results: Of the 5000 individuals enrolled for the survey, responses from 4927 (98.5%; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 98.2 - 98.9) participants, including 3104 males (63%; 95% CI: 61.7 - 64.3) and 1823 females (37%; 95% CI: 35.7 - 38.3) were evaluated. A total of 409 (~8.3%; 95% CI: 7.6 - 9.14) respondents were aware about glaucoma and only 93 (1.89%; 95% CI: 1.55 - 2.31) were qualified as having knowledge about glaucoma as per the set questionnaire. Education was the only variable significantly correlated (P value < 0.001) with the awareness and knowledge of glaucoma out of the parameters included in this study. Close acquaintance with a glaucoma patient was the most common source of information. Conclusions: There is a lack of awareness about glaucoma among the rural residents of North India. The study findings stress the need to spread awareness about glaucoma for prevention of glaucoma‑related blindness.