Glaucoma among tertiary health care workers in Maiduguri, Nigeria.

Abstract

Glaucoma is the second leading cause of visual loss and blindness in the world after cataract. The devastating effect of this disease is often neglected. Early diagnosis and management is key to the prevention of blindness from glaucoma. Objective: To determine the prevalence of glaucoma and offer early treatment to the affected members of staff of University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital. Method: A cross sectional descriptive study was conducted as part of an awareness campaign to mark the World Glaucoma Week from 10th to 16th March, 2013. A structured protocol was designend to capture the age, sex and educational levels of the respondents. Visual acuity was measured using the standard Snellen's test type by a trained ophthalmic nurse. Detailed ocular examination with pen torch, direct ophthalmoscope and slit lamp was done on each participant. Intra ocular pressure was measured using hand held Perkin's tonometer. All findings were entered into the structured protocol and the data obtained were presented in percentages and tables. Results: The most common age group was 40-49 years (59.6 %.) The hospital prevalence of glaucoma was 11.9% (34). The mean intraocular pressure of those found to have glaucoma was 21.3 mmHg and 22.1 mmHg for right and left eyes respectively. Among those found to have glaucoma, 2 (5.9%) had secondary glaucoma due to post cataract extraction complications while 9(26.5%) others were known glaucoma patients on medication. Conclusion: The hospital prevalence of glaucoma was found to be high among staff. Despite their level of education and access to medical facilities, most of those who were found to have glaucoma did not know they have the condition. There is thus, a need for intensifying glaucoma awareness campaign among hospital staff.