Clinical Profile of Glaucoma Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study at a Tertiary Eye Center in Bangladesh

Habiba Sultana1, Khairul Islam², Shajeda Azizi³, Md Sajidul Huq4

Keywords: Glaucoma, clinical profile, IOP, prevalence, management, glaucoma types

DOI: 10.63475/yjm.v4i2.0184

DOI URL: https://doi.org/10.63475/yjm.v4i2.0184

Publish Date: 22-09-2025

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Pages: 422 - 428

Citation: 0

Author Affiliation:

1 Assistant Professor, Glaucoma Department, Deep Eye Care Foundation, Rangpur, Bangladesh
2 Associate Professor, Cataract Department, Deep Eye Care Foundation, Rangpur, Bangladesh
3 Research Associate, Public Health Department, Deep Eye Care Foundation, Rangpur, Bangladesh
4 Assistant Professor, Public Health Department, Deep Eye Care Foundation, Rangpur, Bangladesh

Abstract

Background: Glaucoma is a group of disorders that can lead to irreversible vision loss if untreated. It affects individuals across all ages, genders, and ethnicities, with intraocular pressure (IOP) being the only modifiable risk factor. Regional studies highlight variations in the prevalence of glaucoma subtypes, underscoring the need for population-specific data to guide effective prevention and treatment efforts. This study aimed to explore the clinical characteristics and patterns of glaucoma patients in a tertiary care setting in Bangladesh.

Methods: This was a hospital-based cross-sectional study, conducted from January to December 2023 at the Glaucoma Department of Deep Eye Care Foundation. A total of 2,172 individuals aged 20 years and above were conveniently selected as the study population. After explaining the study objectives, written informed consent was obtained from all participants. Ethical approval was obtained from the institutional review board of the Deep Eye Care Foundation. Data analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), with a P-value of less than 0.05 considered statistically significant.

Results: The study population predominantly consisted of middle-aged and older adults, with a slightly higher proportion of females than males. Most participants were housewives, followed by farmers. A majority resided in rural areas rather than urban, and only a negligible number reported a family history of glaucoma. More than half of the patients presented with reduced visual acuity. The average IOP was nearly similar in both eyes. Most cases showed bilateral involvement of glaucoma. The predominant types of glaucoma were primary angle-closure suspects (PACS) and primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). The main treatment approaches

included beta-blockers and laser peripheral iridotomy, while a notable proportion of patients were kept under observation.

Conclusions: Bilateral involvement and reduced visual acuity were common, with PACS and POAG being the predominant subtypes. This study offers unique insights into the demographic and clinical profile of glaucoma in rural communities, emphasizing the need for communitybased screening, gender-sensitive eye care, and early detection to reduce visual disability.

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