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Address for correspondence: Praveen Subudhi , , E-mail: subudhipraveen@gmail.com
Ophthalmology and Allied Sciences
Received : N/A
Accepted : N/A
Published : N/A
Abstract
Purpose: To determine the effectiveness of targeted screening for glaucoma case finding. Study setting: Aravind Eye Hospital, Theni. Materials and Methods: From hospital database 1493 case sheets of glaucoma patients were retrieved who were informed by postcards (1007), telephone (243) and door to door verbal communication by field workers (253) to come to the base hospital along with their 1st degree relatives for glaucoma evaluation on a particular day. Visual acuity, tension applanation, detailed anterior segment evaluation by slit lamp examination, pachymetry, gonioscopy for relevant patients and optic nerve head evaluation by + 90D slit lamp bio-microscopy were done. New cases of glaucoma were established by IOP, optic nerve head damage and Humphrey visual field (HFA 24-2) analysis. Results: 520 patients (New cases/established glaucoma cases – 171/349) attended screening in the hospital in a single day. 150 were first degree relatives. 27 (18% of 1st degree relatives) new cases were detected among 1st degree relatives. Overall 48 cases (new/review 27/21) were called at later date for HFA 24-2, 45 cases (18/27) were advised cataract surgery, 10 cases (0/10) were advised combined surgery and 10 patients (6/4) were advised 1064 Nd: YAG laser peripheral iridotomy. Conclusion: Glaucoma screening and awareness creation program in rural setting is very essential as the major Indian population resides here. This methodology of screening is unique as it provides tertiary care expertise at the doorsteps of rural population and provides awareness of generic nature of disease.
Keywords: Intraocular Pressure; Humphrey’s Visual Field Analysis; Field Workers; Vision Centers; Nd: YAG lasers.