Case-control study of glaucoma patients in Yerevan

Abstract

Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness throughout the world .Although it more afflicts the elderly, glaucoma occurs in all segments of our society with significant health and economic influences. No epidemiological studies have been done before in Armenia concerning glaucoma. This is the first case-control study of glaucoma patients in Armenia. It has been done in order to determine the risk population for glaucoma by defining the risk factors for glaucoma in Armenia. Case defenition: All patients from Yerevan, who has been diagnosed POAG (Primary Open Angle Glaucoma) in the Eye Clinic # 8 during the time period January 1997-October 1997 for the first time. Control defenition:The patients from the Eye Clinic # 8 ,who had any eye diseases except glaucoma and who were having the treatment in the time period of survey (September 1997-October 1997) It has been chosen 25 cases and 50 controls. It has been measured the influence of such factors as socio-demografic, family history, health status and emotional status on developing glaucoma .Following a definition of the variables of interest a questionnaire was developed and used in face to face interviews. Results from this study showed the statistically significant association between glaucoma and cataract. The other result was an association between the hypertension in anamnesis of patient and glaucoma. There were found out positive but not statistically significant association between spring catarrh in childhood ;regular usage of medicine, especially antihypertensive drugs ; emotional status and POAG. No association was found out between family history and POAG .Such bad habits as alcohol consumption, smoking and coffee drinking don't have any statistically association with development of glaucoma. No association was established between glaucoma and economic status, which was measured by monthly income per person. The main conclusions which were drown from this survey mentioned that the risk population for 3 glaucoma in Armenia must include people with systematic blood hypertension and cataract in anamnesis and that it could be expected some increase in the prevalence of glaucoma due to emotional stress as a result of difficult socio-economical situation in Armenia.