Purpose
Recent estimates for PACG prevalence in the general population (0.4% in those over 40 years old) are 2-4 times higher than previous estimates (0.1-0.25%). One study from West London (published 2006) reported that 4.2% of all their glaucoma patients were PAC related. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of PACS (suspects)/ PAC/ PACG in all glaucoma patients seen in a glaucoma clinic in Kent over a period of one year.
Methods
All new and existing patients in a glaucoma clinic between May 2010 and April 2011 had full glaucoma phenotyping including peripheral limbal chamber depth estimation and high magnification gonioscopy by a new glaucoma consultant. Patient demographics, diagnosis and treatment were retrospectively reviewed for patients with PACS/PAC/PACG.
Results
3016 patients were assessed over 125 clinic sessions in one year. Of these 320 were found to have PAC/ PACS/ PACG, with a prevalence of 10.6%. Female to male ratio was 1.3:1 with ages ranging from 50 to 94 years. More than 95% were Caucasians (5 Indians, 4 Far East Asian, 2 Afro Caribbean and 1 Middle Eastern). Majority (73%) of these patients were not previously known to have angle closure.
Conclusions
We found a higher prevalence of angle closure in our glaucoma clinic in a predominantly Caucasian Population in line with recent higher population estimates but with a relatively smaller female predominance. Given that angle closure is more blinding and treatment is different to primary open angle glaucoma this calls for further studies and increased awareness among eye care professionals.
Keywords: 463 clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: prevalence/incidence •
420 anterior chamber •
568 intraocular pressure