[Epidemiological data on primary open-angle glaucoma and treatment in the department of Marne]

A descriptive cross-sectional epidemiological survey of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) was carried out in the department of Marne, France, between October 1990 and May 1991. The aim of the study was to obtain socio-medico-demographic data on glaucoma patients who were treated for a period of one year or more. Fifty per cent of the ophthalmologists in the department of Marne participated in the study by having their patients complete an anonymous questionnaire at home. Eighty-five per cent of the 407 patients replied. This response rate to the investigation did not vary significantly (p > 0.90) with respect to the ophthalmologist. However, forgetting to distribute the questionnaires to the patients was variable from one physician to the other. The prevalence of POAG cases undergoing treatment was between 0.15 and 0.36% for the whole population; between 0.37 and 0.89% for patients over the age of 40 years; 0.67 and 1.67% after the age of 60. The same number of women and men are affected, but the risk is 1.33 times greater for men after the age of 60. The geographical distribution of the patients is identical to that of the general population. Sixty-two per cent of the patients take other drugs as well and this proportion increases with age (p < 0.0001); 24% of the subjects have hypertension and 10.6% are diabetic. Half of the patients have received anti-glaucoma therapy for 6 years or less; 94% take beta-blockers, 18% take miotics and 12% use adrenergic drugs. More women instil their eyedrops on their own (79% vs 57%; p < 0.0001). Ten per cent of patients have had glaucoma operations and this proportion increases with age (p < 0.03). The frequency of laser treatment is 20%. Glaucoma patients seem to be faithful to their ophthalmologist as 65% of them go to the same one for follow-up. Our study shows that this type of investigation is well received by the patients.