[Intraocular pressure in the Benin: screening for primary open-angle glaucoma]

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Context:

• Intraocular pressure (IOP) is a critical factor in glaucoma diagnosis.
• Glaucoma screening programs are essential for early detection and prevention of vision loss.
• Understanding population-specific IOP characteristics is vital for targeted public health initiatives.

Purpose:

• To characterize intraocular pressure (IOP) in the Beninese population.
• To determine the frequency of ocular hypertension (OHT) and primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) in Benin.
• To identify demographic factors associated with IOP and glaucoma in this population.

Summary:

• A retrospective study analyzed IOP in 4159 Beninese adults (≥20 years).
• The study found a low IOP peak (11-13 mmHg) and a high prevalence of premature glaucoma, with 25% of glaucoma patients under 30.
• Ocular hypertension (OHT) frequency was 3.8%, with male predominance and increased prevalence with age.

Impact:

• The findings highlight the need for early glaucoma screening in Benin, starting from age 20.
• This research provides crucial data for developing targeted glaucoma prevention strategies in West Africa.
• The study underscores the importance of population-specific data for effective public health interventions in ophthalmology.