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Abstract #5550 Published in IGR 2-1
Crete, Greece Glaucoma Study
Kozobolis VP; Detorakis ET; Tsilimbaris M; Siganos DS; Vlachonikolis IG; Pallikaris IGJournal of Glaucoma 2000; 9: 143-149
PURPOSE: To investigate the prevalence of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) in a randomized sample of the inhabitants of the island of Crete. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In 18 different villages in all four prefectures of the island of Crete, patients were randomly selected from 1993 through 1998, and an in situ study was accomplished. The sampling fraction (covered by the 1991 census) in each village was approximately 5%. Patients were considered to have POAG when the morphological aspect of a glaucomatous optic disc was present, and/or a nerve fiber layer defect and a visual field defect was present. The presence of pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEX) and pseudoexfoliative glaucoma (PEXG) was also investigated. RESULTS: The prevalence of glaucoma in Crete was 2.80%. Of those diagnosed with POAG, 9.67% had an intraocular pressure (IOP) under 21 mmHg, and 25.80% had PEX. The prevalence of simple ocular hypertension without glaucoma was found in 6.58% of the patients. The ratio of subjects with hypertensive glaucoma to those with simple ocular hypertension was 1:2.6. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of POAG and exfoliation glaucoma appears to be quite high in Crete. Further research will be needed to set more accurate criteria for earlier diagnosis and to enable more efficient organization of the health care system.
Dr. V.P. Kozobolis, Eye Clinic, Heraklion University Hospital, PO Box 1352, Heraklion, Crete 711 10, Greece
Classification:
1.1 Epidemiology (Part of: 1 General aspects)
