Prevalence of Glaucoma among Patients Attending a Tertiary Ophthalmology Clinic in Zanzibar, Tanzania

Abstract

Background and Aim: Glaucoma is a frequent eye condition in which the optic nerve, which connects the eye and the brain, is injured. Glaucoma poses a serious public health concern since it is the second biggest cause of blindness worldwide, and this blindness is usually irreversible. The aim of the study is to systematically assess the prevalence of glaucoma among patients attending a tertiary care hospital in Zanzibar, Tanzania. Materials and Methods: This hospital-based cross-sectional study estimated the prevalence of glaucoma among patients attending the Ophthalmology clinic at Mnazi Mmoja Hospital (MMH) in Zanzibar, Tanzania. Questionnaires were used to collect socio-demographic data, family history, and other risk factors. Data analysis was conducted using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23. The frequency of prevalence of glaucoma was tabulated. Results: The study sample comprised 200 patients. Among the 200 study population, 78 patients (39%) were diagnosed with glaucoma. Most of the patients diagnosed with glaucoma were between 51-60 years of age (24.35%). Of the 78 patients diagnosed with glaucoma, 45 patients (57.7%) were female, and 33 patients (42.3%) were male.  These patients have predisposing factors, like existing eye disease, family history of glaucoma (65.3%), hypertensive and diabetic (46.15% and 67.95% respectively). Our study also shows that a great proportion is only using topical medication as treatment of their condition. Conclusion: The prevalence of glaucoma in patients presenting with eye disease is significantly high. Lack of awareness of appropriate treatment in the early stages of all eye diseases contributes to the development of glaucoma. Community health education on methods to mitigate risk factors through lifestyle modifications, and the provision of ophthalmic health care facilities in rural areas of Tanzania, will reduce the incidence of a major cause of blindness in Tanzania.