Glaucoma in oman: a review

PURPOSE: Glaucoma is one of the priority eye diseases in Oman in its VISION 2020 Plan. A review of available data is presented on the basis of situation analysis carried out in 2002. METHODS: The General demography, morbidity and management of eye diseases reported by different eye institutions. Predefined parameters and definitions were used to calculate incidence and coverage of glaucoma. RESULTS: The rate of glaucoma cases reported by ophthalmologists was 1.14/1000. 11.5% of estimated blindness in Oman in 1997 was due to glaucoma. Primary Open angle glaucoma constituted 63.5% of the total glaucoma cases. In spite of free and easy access to the eye treatment, coverage of glaucoma surgery was 25% of the reported cases. Evidence based information on glaucoma in the community is needed in Oman. The health facilities for eye care of glaucoma cases are available in different health regions of Oman. CONCLUSIONS: Glaucoma should be addressed through a program approach both to reduce/delay visual disabilities and improve quality of life of glaucoma patients.