Clinical analysis of glaucoma in hospital patients.

OBJECTIVES: (i) To determine the prevalence and pattern of glaucomas presented to Nepal Eye Hospital for strategic planning. (ii) To know the most common attributable factors giving rise to secondary glaucoma. (iii) To know the incidence of Glaucoma blindness. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective hospital based analysis of medical records of patients attending Nepal Eye Hospital Glaucoma clinic over a period of 2 years (Jan 2003-Jan 2005) was done in order to know the magnitude of the disease and its pattern, for planning purpose to upgrade Glaucoma clinic services in the hospital. RESULTS: Glaucoma patients comprised of 0.74% (827) of total outpatients (110794). Male and female ratio was 49.6%:50.4%. Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG) found to be more common (57.3%), followed by secondary glaucoma (20.8%), Primary Angle Closure Glaucoma (PACG) 19.9% and Congenital/Juvenile and miscellaneous (2%). Incidence of Glaucoma blindness (Absolute Glaucoma) found to be 2.17%. Almost equal predelection to sex was seen in all types of glaucomas except PACG, Lens induced Phacomorphic glaucoma and uveitic glaucoma where female outnumbered males. The disease was found to be more common in age group above 40 years.