Oman Eye Study 2005: prevalence and determinants of glaucoma

This community-based study was carried out to estimate the prevalence and identify the determinants of glaucoma in the Omani population in 2005-06. Residents of 75 randomly selected houses in 25 clusters participated in the survey. We interviewed and examined 3324 individuals aged >/= 30 years in their homes and in eye clinics to note personal details, glaucoma status and presence of selected risk factors: 180 were diagnosed as having glaucoma. Projected prevalence of glaucoma among the Omani population >/= 30 years was 4.75%. Open angle and angle closure types of glaucoma contributed 40.6% and 37.8% respectively. History of hypertension was negatively, and older age and family history of glaucoma were positively, associated with glaucoma

Oman Eye Study 2005: validity of screening tests used in the glaucoma survey

We carried out a validity assessment study for glaucoma screening procedures used during the survey conducted in Oman in 2005 on 6644 eyes in 3324 people >/= 30 years. Ocular pressure and fundus changes were the screening parameters used: glaucoma was found in 433 eyes. Sensitivity for ocular pressure was 49.7% and specificity 95.6%. For optic disc changes, sensitivity was 48.4% and specificity 97.9%. Combining both through parallel testing, sensitivity improved to 67.3% and specificity to 96.5%. An eye may, thus, be declared as not having glaucoma, but cannot be labelled as having glaucoma, using these parameters

Distichiasis and dysplastic eyelashes in trachomatous trichiasis cases in Oman: a case series

The study was a prospective evaluation of the prevalence of distichiasis and /or dysplastic eyelashes among trachomatous trichiasis cases at the oculoplasty unit of a hospital in Oman over 3 months in 2000. An oculoplasty surgeon examined and photographed cases using a bio-microscope. Out of 80 cases, 58 [72.5%] had abnormal eyelashes in addition to trachomatous trichiasis. The rate of distichiasis and dysplastic lashes were 13.8% [95% CI 6.2%-21.3%] and 33.8% [95% CI 23.5%-44.1%] respectively; 25.0% [95% CI 15.5%-34.5%] had both. Dysplastic and distichiasis eyelashes were significantly more prevalent in trachomatous trichiasis cases aged < 50 years and those with entropion. Presence of distichiasis and /or dysplastic eyelashes in trachomatous trichiasis cases warrants further analytical studies to confirm the observation and establish any causal association