[Wide angle chronic glaucoma in Negroes (author's transl)]

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Public Health

Background:

• Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide.
• Primitive wide-angle glaucoma (PWAG) presents unique challenges in certain populations.
• Understanding ethnic variations in glaucoma presentation is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the characteristics of primitive wide-angle glaucoma in Black individuals.
• To emphasize the disease's frequency, early onset, and common unilateral presentation.
• To discuss the efficacy of current medical treatments and surgical trends.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on primitive wide-angle glaucoma in Black populations.
• Analysis of studies detailing disease frequency, age of onset, and laterality.
• Examination of treatment outcomes, including medical and surgical interventions.

Main Results:

• Primitive wide-angle glaucoma is notably frequent and presents early in Black individuals.
• Unilateral localization is a common characteristic of the disease in this demographic.
• Medical treatment demonstrates limited efficacy, with poor improvement observed.

Conclusions:

• Primitive wide-angle glaucoma in Black individuals requires specific clinical consideration due to its aggressive presentation.
• The limited response to medical therapy underscores the importance of timely surgical intervention.
• Current surgical trends aim to improve outcomes for this patient group.