RESUMO
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
RESUMO
To assess the prevalence of ocular injury and its severity among the trauma patients admitted with head and facial injuries [which may be missed as the priority is given to save the life of the patient]; and to develop guidelines for the optimum ophthalmology referral in such cases. The medical records of 134 patients who were admitted to the trauma intensive care unit of Hamad General Hospital with head and facial injury, during a one year period from 1/1/2005 to 31/12/2005, were reviewed. Presence of ocular trauma, its severity and the ophthalmology referral were noted. Visual outcome, periocular signs and relevant radiological findings were also recorded. Among the 134 charts reviewed, 94% were males. Head injury was the commonest [69.4%], followed by combined head and facial injury [27.6%]. Fifty-two [38.8%] cases were found to have either ocular or periocular signs. Twenty [14.9%] were found to have both. Among the 52, four patients [7.7%] lost vision completely in one eye and in one case [1.9%] visual acuity was reduced to hand movements in one eye. Fifteen [28.8%] patients had serious ocular complications and 32 [61.5%] patients had transient ocular or periocular signs. Among the 52 patients only 22 [42.3%] received ophthalmology referral. In all patients with head and facial injury, visual acuity, colour vision and ocular motility should be assessed as soon as the general condition permits. Patients with ocular or periocular signs and those with radiological evidence of orbital or periorbital fractures should be referred to an ophthalmologist without delay