Analysis of sociodemographic profile of glaucoma patients with risk factors, subtypes, and disease severity in a tertiary eye care facility in Northern India.

Abstract

Purpose: To study the different subtypes of glaucoma and to analyze the demographic and clinical profile of glaucoma patients along with associated risk factors in a multi-locational North Indian study.

Methods: Newly diagnosed and known glaucoma patients on treatment were enrolled in the study. Complete history was taken, and clinical evaluation was done by senior glaucoma experts.

Results: Five hundred and eighty-six patients (1121 eyes) were included with 383 males (65.4%) and 203 females (34.6%). Of these, 508 (86.7%) had primary glaucoma and 78 (13.3%) had secondary glaucoma. Also, 263 (44.9%) patients had primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) and 172 (29.4%) had primary angle closure glaucoma. Four hundred and fifty-one (77%) were graduates or postgraduates and 293 (50%) were dependents on family income. One hundred and forty-one (24%) had a positive family history. Secondary glaucoma patients had a lower average age (52.6 ± 16.8 years) and higher average intraocular pressure (IOP; 34.23 ± 13 mm) compared to primary glaucoma patients (26.6 ± 9.7 mm) ( P < 0.0001). Thirty-three (47.8%) out of 78 secondary glaucoma patients had advanced disease. Seventy-four (12.6%) were first-time diagnosed and 18 had advanced disease. In addition, 161 eyes had one or more glaucoma surgeries done (128 trabeculectomy and 28 phacotrabeculectomy). Ninety-five (16.2%) patients were advised surgery at our centers (46 trab, 26 phacotrab, 15 phaco, five Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation, and three pars plana vitrectomy). Disease progression was noted in 62 patients reporting good compliance to medicines.

Conclusion: POAG was the most common variant in this study. Secondary glaucoma patients were youngest in age and had the highest IOP. Trabeculectomy was the most performed surgery. A good literacy rate did not prevent late presentations.