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Abstract #50398 Published in IGR 14-2
Socio-demographic factors and utilisation of eye care services: is there an association with patients presenting to a tertiary referral hospital in acute angle closure?
Sandhu S; Van Wijngaarden P; Nguyen DQ; O'Hare F; Sandhu N; Wang JJ; Crowston JGClinical and Experimental Ophthalmology 2013; 41: 56-62
BACKGROUND: To examine the relationship between socio-demographic factors and utilisation of eye care services in patients presenting in acute angle-closure (AAC). DESIGN: A hospital-based retrospective, case-control study. PARTICIPANTS: 55 patients consecutively presenting to the emergency department of the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital with AAC (cases), and 43 patients consecutively referred to the outpatient department for prophylactic laser peripheral iridotomy (controls) over a 3 year period. METHODS: Standardised telephone questionnaires. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Comparisons were made for socio-demographic factors, utilisation of eye care services, and provision of information on glaucoma and premonitory symptoms of acute angle closure. RESULTS: No significant differences across a range of socio-economic and demographic factors were found. Fewer cases reported having attended an eye care professional ever (p=0.02), or in the 12 months preceding their acute hospital attendance (p=0.002); and had less awareness of angle closure glaucoma (p=0.001). Logistic regression modeling demonstrated premonitory symptoms of AAC (OR 3.96 [95% CI 1.52-10.32] p<0.001) and a period of greater than 12 months since the last eye examination (OR 3.89 [95% CI 1.64-9.21]) were significantly associated with the risk of AAC. CONCLUSIONS: No significant differences in socio-economic or demographic parameters between cases and controls were identified. Control subjects had a history of more frequent and recent access to eye care services than cases. The finding that more than one third of patients presenting with acute angle-closure had consulted an eye care provider in the preceding year suggests that a significant proportion of individuals at risk of AAC remain undetected. © 2012 The Authors. Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology © 2012 Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists.
Centre for Eye Research Australia, University of Melbourne and Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, 32 Gisborne Street, East Melbourne, Australia.
Full articleClassification:
9.3.1 Acute primary angle closure glaucoma (pupillary block) (Part of: 9 Clinical forms of glaucomas > 9.3 Primary angle closure glaucomas)