Proportion of Angle Closure Glaucoma in Tamale, Ghana

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Public Health
• Global Health

Background:

• Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness globally, particularly in Africa.
• Primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG) is often under-recognized but has significant visual morbidity and distinct treatment needs.
• A high prevalence of PACG was observed at a clinic in Northern Ghana.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the proportion of patients with a new glaucoma diagnosis who have PACG.
• To highlight the importance of PACG in the context of African public health.
• To advocate for improved diagnostic and management strategies for PACG.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective review of electronic medical records was conducted.
• Patients with a first-time glaucoma diagnosis between January 2021 and October 2022 were identified.
• A total of 588 patients with a confirmed glaucoma subtype diagnosis were included in the analysis.

Main Results:

• Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) was diagnosed in 53.7% of patients.
• Primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG) accounted for 35.7% of cases.
• Secondary glaucoma comprised 10.5% of the diagnoses.

Conclusions:

• PACG represents a significant proportion, approximately one-third, of new glaucoma diagnoses in Northern Ghana.
• Accurate glaucoma diagnosis requires a clear pathway, including gonioscopy.
• Enhanced training in PACG diagnosis and management is crucial for eye care professionals in the region.