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Malawi Medical Journal
College of Medicine, University of Malawi and Medical Association of Malawi
ISSN: 1995-7262
Vol. 26, No. 3, 2014, pp. 60-62
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Bioline Code: mm14015
Full paper language: English
Document type: Research Article
Document available free of charge
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Malawi Medical Journal, Vol. 26, No. 3, 2014, pp. 60-62
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Presentation of Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG) at Lions Sight First Eye Hospital in Blantyre, Malawi
Kayange, P. C.; Nkume, H. B.; Feyi-Waboso, A.; Kalua, K.; Msukwa, G. & Schwering Schulze, M.
Abstract
Objective
Primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) is the most common type of glaucoma in
Africa. We carried out a study to determine the clinical presentation pattern of
patients with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) at a tertiary hospital in Malawi.
Design
A cross-sectional study
Setting
Lions Sight First Eye Hospital—a major referral and teaching state eye hospital in
Blantyre, Malawi
Subjects
Study participants were newly diagnosed POAG patients at specialist eye clinic
during study period.
Results
A total of 60 POAG patients were recruited into the study. The mean age was 58.7
years (SD= 16.6, range 18 - 86). There were more male (44, 73.3%) than female (16,
27.7%) patients. The majority of patients (73%) presented one year after onset of
visual symptoms. Twenty-six patients (43%) had unilateral blindness (visual acuity
< 3/60; WHO classification), while nine patients (15%) presented with bilateral
blindness. A vertical cup-to-disc ratio (CDR) of 0.8 or worse was seen in 92 eyes
(79%). The mean intraocular pressure (IOP) reading was 35.5 mmHg (SD 13.30).
Of the thirty-three eyes that successfully underwent visual field analysis, very
advanced defects were recorded in 12 eyes (36%).
Conclusion
This study demonstrates delayed presentation and male predominance among
POAG patients at a tertiary eye hospital in Malawi. Glaucoma intervention
programmes should aim at identifying patients with treatable glaucoma with
particular attention to women.
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© Copyright 2014 - Malawi Medical Journal Alternative site location: http://revista.uft.edu.br/index.php/jbb/index
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