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Glaucoma pattern amongst the elderly Chinese in Singapore.
Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore
|April 2, 1999
Summary
A study found 4.8% of elderly Singaporean Chinese have glaucoma, mainly normal tension and primary angle closure types. Most cases were undiagnosed, highlighting the need for screening in the aging population.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Geriatric Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness, disproportionately affecting older adults.
- The aging population in Singapore necessitates understanding glaucoma prevalence within this demographic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of glaucoma among elderly Chinese residents in Singapore.
- To identify the most common types of glaucoma in this population.
Main Methods:
- A population-based study was conducted involving 479 elderly Chinese individuals aged 60 and above.
- Data collection focused on identifying glaucoma cases and their subtypes.
Main Results:
- The overall prevalence of glaucoma was 4.8%.
- Normal tension glaucoma (61%) and primary angle closure glaucoma (26%) were the most common forms.
- A significant majority (97%) of diagnosed cases were previously unrecognized, with silent presentations.
Conclusions:
- Glaucoma is a significant public health issue among the elderly Chinese in Singapore.
- The high rate of undiagnosed cases underscores the critical need for targeted glaucoma screening programs for the elderly population.