The glaucoma problem in the Philippines

ABSTRACT

Glaucoma is the cause of the greatest number of irremediable blindness in adults in the Philippines. I have reviewed and analyzed 80 private cases of glaucoma at the St. Lukes Hospital Eye Clinic, and 65 charity cases at the Philippine General Hospital, for the purpose of finding out the various phases of our glaucoma problem in this country. I have cited specific cases for illustration. Some suggestions are made to our eye physicians, medical practitioners, opticians, and the general public on the recognition and management of glaucomaWhile the basic problem of glaucoma is etiologic, in the Philippines it is primarily education about its dangers, earlier recognition, and more up-to-date management. There must be a campaign against this major cause of blindness in this country. The education of the educators and ophthalmologists should go hand in hand with increasing the knowledge of our medical practitioners and of the public about glaucoma. (Summary)