Prevalence of suspected glaucoma in Haiti: a pilot study

Abstract

Objective: Gather epidemiological data pertaining to the prevalence of suspected glaucoma in rural and urban areas of Haiti.

Design: Cross-sectional pilot study.

Participants: Haitians of African ancestry.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study on 211 Haitians of African ancestry (76 males and 135 females) aged 40 years and over. The mean age was 54.6 ± 10.9 years. The data were collected in glaucoma screening clinics at health fairs held in urban Port-au-Prince (57 people) and three rural regions (154 people) during a two-week medical mission to Haiti in November 2014. An ophthalmic exam with intraocular pressure measurement (with Tonopen) and dilated fundus exam were conducted.

Results: The average C/D was 0.41 ± 0.18. The prevalence of suspected glaucoma, defined as C/D ≥ 0.7, asymmetry of ≥0.2 or significant rim notching, was 14.2%. The average IOP was 18.4 ± 5.4. Ocular hypertension (IOP ≥ 24mmHg) was found in 19.0% of participants.

Conclusions: The prevalence of ocular hypertension and glaucoma based on suspect optic nerves in our sample population was high, indicating a strong need for access to ophthalmologic care in the Haitian population.