Rationale, methods and baseline demographics of the Bhaktapur Glaucoma Study

To describe the methodology and baseline data of a population-based study designed to determine the prevalence of glaucoma and to study the risk factors for glaucoma development in a Nepali population.

Population-based cross-sectional study.

Subjects 40 years and above residing in Bhaktapur District.

Power calculations suggest that a sample size of 4758 is required. Thirty clusters were randomly selected from the 2 municipalities and 16 Village Development Committees of Bhaktapur District in Nepal. A door-to-door census was conducted in the selected clusters to identify citizens 40 years of age and older. Demographic details were collected and a structured interview, regarding awareness for cataract and glaucoma was taken. All individuals fulfilling the eligibility criteria were recruited and referred to the Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology in Kathmandu for a detailed clinical examination including glaucoma diagnostic procedures. Peripheral blood samples were taken to facilitate future genetic analysis.

Prevalence of glaucoma, risk factors and genetic screening.

A total of 4800 people were selected. The mean age of participants was 55.4 ± 12.3 years (range: 40-99) and 51.8% were female. In total, 64.8% of our cohort was aged less than 59 years and 60.5% were illiterate. Among the various ethnic races, 69.7% belonged to the Newar ethnic group.

This study will determine the prevalence of glaucoma and allow for an increased understanding of the risk factors for glaucoma development in this region.