Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: Glaucoma is a major cause of visual dysfunction in the United States. Early detection and treatment are essential for successful treatment. Unlike urban populations, little is known about the epidemiology of glaucoma in certain populations. This study primarily investigates the prevalence of glaucoma in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) population. These patients were evaluated and managed by a university based residency program. Methods: A retrospective chart review on TDCJ patients seen by the ophthalmology service at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston between October, 2001 and December, 2001. Age, sex, race, initial intraocular pressure (IOP), and initial cup–to–disc ratios were included in the clinical and demographic data. IRB approval was obtained. Results: 438 patient charts were identified as seen by the UTMB ophthalmology service at the TDCJ Eye Clinic. Males made up 92% of the patient population. Mean age was 35.87 years for the males and 35.76 years for the females. The racial backgrounds were: African–American (42.1%), Hispanic (26.3%), White (31.2%), and Other Ethnic Groups (<1%). 22.1% were diagnosed with glaucoma. 27.8% and 25.8% of these had documented ocular trauma and angle recession, respectively. The prevalence of glaucoma in males was 22.7% and in females was 15.2%. 9.6% had a history of cataracts; 5% had a history of diabetic retinopathy. Table 1 shows initial IOP and cup–to–disc ratio in these patients. Conclusions: These findings suggest the prevalence of glaucoma in the incarcerated population is considerably higher than in the general population. In the United States the prevalence of glaucoma is less than 5%. The reasons behind this discrepancy are unclear. This may be due to the large percentage of African–Americans in this sample compared to the general population, the increased incidence of ocular trauma, and lower awareness of glaucoma and its presentation. Clinicians should be more aware regarding the detection and management of glaucoma in this group of patients. More data remains to be collected to assess the long–term incidence of glaucoma in this population as well as identifying risk factors for progression of this disease. Table 1: Mean IOP and cup–to–disc ratio at initial presentation in all TDCJ patients
Keywords: clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: prevalence/incidence • intraocular pressure • optic disc