DOI: 10.36347/sajb.2015.v03i09.007

Pages: 766-773

The aim of this study was to determine and investigate the clinical profile and subtypes of glaucoma in northern India in a prospective study. The study of clinical profile and subtypes of the various glaucomas also aims to help in the screening and early detection of the disease in the at-risk age groups. The study aims to make observations that reflect the pattern and demographic distribution of glaucoma in North India on which current data is lacking, and provide useful background information and knowhow to plan epidemiological surveys on glaucoma. The study was designed as a prospective study of randomly selected patients with a suspicion of glaucoma attending the Outpatient Department of Ophthalmology, Government Medical College, Amritsar. 250 cases of both sexes and all ages, diagnosed with glaucoma were enrolled in the study. Patients were subjected to a comprehensive eye examination to diagnose and classify glaucoma. Compared to the Western world studies, glaucoma patients in north India seem to present earlier. The PACG subtype is the most commonly encountered glaucoma. CACG is the most commonly encountered subtype of PACG with a male predominance. Glaucoma suspects are the second most prevalent entity with POAG a close third. Male predominance is seen in POAG. Acute ACG has a female dominance. Lens-induced glaucoma and PXE glaucoma are the common secondary glaucomas. NTG and Ocular Hypertension are relatively rare. Population-based epidemiologic studies and surveys are needed to validate or disapprove of the data collected in hospital based studies such as ours.