Page 101 - NAME OF CONDITION: REFRACTIVE ERRORS

I. WHEN TO SUSPECT/ RECOGNIZE?

a) Introduction:
POAG is most common form of glaucoma world wide. It is estimated that 45 million people
worldwide have POAG. With the exception of Asia, Primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) is
far more common than Primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG)
worldwide.

b) Case definition:

Definition: It is a chronic progressive anterior optic neuropathy characterised by
acquired loss of retinal ganglion cell loss, visual field loss, open angles with no obvious
causative ocular or systemic condition.

II. INCIDENCE OF THE CONDITION IN OUR COUNTRY

In India, Primary open angle glaucoma is estimated to affect 6.48 million persons.

Aravind comprehensive eye survey found a prevalence (95% confidence interval) of

POAG it was 1.7% (1.3, 2.1) in rural population. The prevalence of POAG in rural south
Indian population as evaluated by Chennai glaucoma study group 1.62%. The prevalence

increased with age, and 98.5% were not aware of the disease. Vellore eye study found

a prevalence (95% CI) of POAG 4.1 (0.08-8.1) in urban south Indian population. Andhra

Pradesh eye disease study found a prevalence (95% confidence interval) of 1.62%
(0.77%-2.48%) in urban south Indian population. Studies comparing the prevalence in

urban and rural population – Chennai glaucoma study found prevalence of POAG in

south Indian urban population was 3.51%, higher than that of the rural population.

Andhra Pradesh eye disease study also found the prevalence to be greater in urban
population (4% vs 1.6%; P<0.001).

III. DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS
 Optic nerve anomalies: coloboma, pits, oblique insertion
 Primary optic atrophy
 Past history of steroid usage
 Past history of trauma or surgery
 Ischemic optic neuropathy (arteritic/non arteritic)

IV. PREVENTION AND COUNSELING
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