Population-based survey of the prevalence and types of glaucoma in Bangladesh.

BACKGROUND: To delineate the epidemiological landscape of glaucoma using a population-based sample representative of Bangladesh. METHODS: Using multistage stratified cluster random sampling, households were selected to identify individuals ≥35 years across all 8 divisions of Bangladesh. Sampling frames were derived from the 2011 national census. Fifty-eight study examination sites were set up for comprehensive eye evaluations, including intraocular pressure, gonioscopy and visual field testing when indicated. International Society for Geographic and Epidemiological Ophthalmology definitions were used to define glaucoma and glaucoma suspect cases. RESULTS: One hundred forty clusters (89 rural and 51 urban) were randomly selected, and 13 791 residential households were visited. We invited 17 002 individuals ≥35 years for on-site examination, of which 12 000 (71%) complied, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:1. The prevalence of glaucoma was 3.2% (95% CI 2.79% to 3.64%), and glaucoma suspect was 10.1% (95% CI 9.05% to 11.12%). The majority (78%) had primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), while angle closure was seen in 16%. Of the POAG, 83% (n=251) were normal-tension glaucoma. Multivariable logistic regression showed increasing age (OR=1.01 for every 5-year increment, 95% CI 1 to 1.01) and male gender (OR=1.43, 95% CI 1.15 to 1.77) to be associated with an increased risk of glaucoma. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of glaucoma in Bangladesh is 3.2% in ≥35-year-old individuals with older men most at risk. Extrapolating the results, we estimate about 2 million patients with glaucoma. Though normal-tension variety was the most common type, caution should be exercised in generalising these results to other populations.

Ophthalmic associations of oculodermal melanocytosis in a tertiary eye hospital in South Asia.

Oculodermal melanocytosis (ODM), though rare, is associated with a number of sight-threatening complications including glaucoma. The purpose of this Case Series study was to determine the ophthalmic features in patients diagnosed with ODM. Here, we describe five patients presented with ODM, with the most common ocular features identified being hyperpigmentation of the conjunctiva, sclera and heterochromia iridis. Others included hyperpigmentation of trabecular meshwork, glaucoma, cataract, retinal detachment and ocular hypertension in one patient. As such, all patients with ODM should have a comprehensive ocular evaluation.

Outcome of trabeculectomy versus Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation in the surgical management of glaucoma in patients with Sturge-Weber syndrome.

AIMS: To compare the surgical outcomes of trabeculectomy versus Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) implantation in the surgical management of glaucoma in patients with Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS). METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed on 40 eyes of secondary glaucoma in patients with SWS separated into two groups: AGV (N=20) and trabeculectomy with mitomycin C (N=20). Demographic data, intraocular pressure (IOP), visual acuity and the number anti-glaucoma medications (AGM) needed were evaluated prior to and following surgery. Surgical success was defined as an IOP of ≤21 mm Hg, with or without the use of topical AGM. Complete success was achieved when IOP values were obtained without AGM. RESULTS: Mean follow-up duration was 23.15±2.36 months and 22.95±2.87 months in the AGV and trabeculectomy groups, respectively (p=0.811). Both the AGV (34.50±4.65 mm Hg at baseline to 15.20±3.31 mm Hg at last visit) and trabeculectomy (32.10±5.86 mm Hg to 16.10±3.02 mm Hg) groups achieved a statistically significant fall in IOP following surgery (p=0.000). Kaplan-Meier survival of complete success after 24 months was 80% and 70% after AGV implant and trabeculectomy, respectively, but the difference between two groups was not statistically significant (p=0.442). CONCLUSIONS: Both AGV implant and trabeculectomy appear to be safe and efficacious in controlling glaucoma secondary to SWS, although the potential for serious complications such as choroidal detachment must be anticipated when planning surgeries in patient with SWS, and the authors recommend the maintenance of a stable IOP during and following the surgery to avoid such complications.

Choroidal detachment with exudative retinal detachment following Ahmed valve implantation in Sturge-Weber syndrome.

Ahmed glaucoma valve implant appears to be a relatively useful drainage device in eyes with glaucoma secondary to Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS). However, early postoperative choroidal and exudative retinal detachment may occur from a rapid expansion of the choroidal hemangioma with effusion of fluid into the suprachoroidal and subretinal spaces. We report the case of a ten-year-old boy who had SWS with choroidal haemangioma and secondary glaucoma. He had Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation on account of the secondary glaucoma which had been refractory to both conventional medical and surgical managements. He developed choroidal and exudative retinal detachment postoperatively. However, he responded to conservative treatment and further surgical management was not required. Ahmed glaucoma valve in the treatment of glaucoma secondary to SWS is useful, but the risk of choroidal effusion with exudative retinal detachment is still present. Surgeons should be alert to this likely complication and be prepared for prompt management.

Outcome of trabeculectomy with Ologen versus Mitomycin C: A comparative prospective study in Bangladesh.

AIMS:: To compare the efficacy and safety of trabeculectomy with Ologen versus Mitomycin C in primary glaucoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS:: This is a prospective study of patients aged 18 years and above, diagnosed with primary glaucoma randomised to having trabeculectomy with Ologen or Mitomycin C. The primary outcome measure was success of trabeculectomy defined as intraocular pressure >5 mmHg but ≤21 mmHg. Complete success was defined as intraocular pressure achieved without anti-glaucoma medication and qualified success was defined as intraocular pressure achieved with additional anti-glaucoma medication. RESULTS:: At the end of 12 months follow-up, the postoperative mean intraocular pressure in the Ologen group was 12.8 ± 1.6 mmHg and 13.4 ± 2.2 mmHg in the Mitomycin C group. The Ologen group achieved complete success in 86.5% and qualified success in 13.5% of the patients, while the Mitomycin C group achieved complete and qualified success in 85.5% and 14.5%, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in the success rate of both the groups ( p = 0.57). Furthermore, no significant intraocular pressure difference was noted between the two groups at the end of 12 months follow-up ( p = 0.14). CONCLUSION:: Trabeculectomy augmented with Ologen appeared to be as successful and safe as trabeculectomy augmented with Mitomycin C, with no reported adverse reaction to Ologen.