Primary open angle glaucoma in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients attending a private eye hospital at Kolkata: A cross-sectional study

Glaucoma is a group of progressive diseases where optic nerve damage leads to vision loss. It is considered the leading cause of irreversible blindness (5.8%), according to the National Programme for Control of Blindness and Visual Impairment (NPCB and VI). Primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) is its commonest form. There is considerable evidence that type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a risk factor for POAG. The prevalence of POAG is much higher in the diabetic population than in the general population.

1. To estimate the proportion of POAG among the type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients attending OPD of a Private Eye Hospital. 2. To determine the associated factors, if any, for POAG among the study population.

A descriptive, observational hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted for 2 months at a private eye hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal.

129 previously diagnosed T2DM patients attending the Out Patient Department (OPD) from 01.11.21 to 31.12.21 were interviewed and examined by an ophthalmologist for POAG as per diagnostic criteria comprising both old and new cases.

Student 't' test for comparison of means and Chi-square test determination of association.

Overall proportion of POAG cases was 22.5% (men 19.3% and women 25%). The mean age of POAG for women and men were 59.3 (±8.5) years and 65 (±10.7) years, respectively. Mean blood glucose level and mean intra ocular pressure (IOP) were more among POAG patients (P = 0.037,0.026 and P = 0.004,0.003)). POAG was associated with duration of T2DM (P = 0.004) and hypertension (P = 0.004).

More than one-fifth of T2DM patients had POAG associated with duration of T2DM, mean blood glucose, and hypertension. Tight control of blood glucose and regular ophthalmological examination since early stage are urgently required.