Prevalence of Primary Glaucoma as Diagnosed by Study Optometrists of L. V. Prasad eye Institute - Glaucoma Epidemiology and Molecular Genetics Study.

Purpose: To report the prevalence of primary glaucoma as identified by study optometrists of the L. V. Prasad Eye Institute - Glaucoma Epidemiology and Molecular Genetics Study (LVPEI-GLEAMS).

Methods: Two study optometrists and a total number of 3833 individuals participated in the LVPEI-GLEAMS. All subjects underwent a complete medical history and comprehensive eye examination including slit lamp photography, imaging of anterior and posterior segment, frequency doubling technology and standard automated perimetry including gonioscopy with a Sussman 4 mirror goniolens, post dilated evaluation of the optic disc and fundus was done with a 90 D lens by the study optometrist. A diagnosis of primary open angle glaucoma (POAG), primary angle closure suspect (PACS), primary angle closure (PAC), primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG), normal tension glaucoma (NTG), glaucoma/disc suspect or no glaucoma was made based on the clinical examination.

Results: Estimated prevalence of OAG (POAG and NTG) was 1.07% (0.74-1.39), PACS 2.03% (1.58-2.48), PAC 1.77% (1.35-2.19), PACG 0.21% (0.06-0.35) as identified by the study optometrists on site.

Conclusions: Prevalence of all the categories of primary glaucoma, as reported by the study optometrists of LVPEI-GLEAMS was comparable to previous findings of other regions in South India.