[Knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding glaucoma in the urban and suburban population of Lomé (Togo)]. / Connaissances, attitudes et pratiques relatives au glaucome dans la population urbaine et semi-urbaine de Lomé (Togo).

PURPOSE: One of the main constraints in the prevention of blindness is the lack of awareness of people regarding eye diseases. This study was undertaken to determine the level of knowledge, the attitudes and practices regarding glaucoma in the population of Lomé. METHODS: An interview using a questionnaire was conducted among an opportunistic sample of 767 people living in the capital city of Lomé and in some of its suburbs. The interview targeted people aged 20 to 65 years; the questions were either closed or open. The interviews were conducted either in French or in the local languages where needed and in the latter case with the help of a translator. Variables measured included education status, e.g., schooling years, economic status and professional situation. RESULTS: The knowledge of eye diseases accounted for 84% among the population studied; the most well-known being myopia, cataract, presbyopia, and glaucoma in decreasing order. Glaucoma was known by 228 people (29.7%) among whom 25% were aware of glaucoma blindness cases; 61.5% declared that glaucoma was a serious condition; 4.4% admitted the use of traditional eye-healers; 56.1% were not confident in the local doctors for the treatment of glaucoma. CONCLUSION: The high proportion of people who are not confident in the capabilities of national doctors to efficiently treat glaucoma is worrying. This situation requires the set up of a rational national strategic action plan (e.g., health education) aimed at reducing the burden of glaucoma blindness in the country.

[The distribution of cup disc ratios in a general population of Southern Togo aged 40 years and over]. / Distribution de l'excavation papillaire dans une population générale de 685 personnes âgées de plus de 40 ans et habitant le Sud Togo.

PURPOSE: Clinical reports and epidemiological surveys have raised the key issues of both the burden of glaucoma blindness and the high prevalence of the disease among the populations of Togo. This population survey aimed to collect data on the distribution of cup disc ratios. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study population of 685 persons was selected in a remote rural area. All participants aged over 40 years were included. Eye assessment was conducted in the local health facilities using a visual acuity chart, an ophthalmoscope and light magnification for exploration of the anterior segment. RESULTS: The mean age of participants was 49.70 years (range, 40-99 years); men accounted for 61.8% and women 38.2%. Mean cup disc ratios were not different in both eyes, with 0.38 in the right eye and 0.37 in the left. Cup disc ratios over 0.5 represented 29.3% in the right eye and 29.8% in the left one; a cut-off point over 0.7 gave an abnormal cup ratio prevalence of 9.2% in the right eye and 9.3% in the left eye. In 92% of cases, the appearance of the cupping was round, and was elliptic in 7.6% of patients. We found that 75% of discs had a central round cupping. The temporal location was noted in 22% of cases while nasal locations were recorded in 2.4%. CONCLUSION: This survey has noted the various patterns of cup discs, with the mean cup disc ratio similar to what is usually described in similar studies. Further population-based surveys using the cut-off ratios found here are needed to determine the prevalence of glaucoma in this rural area.