Glaucoma among Omani diabetic patients: a cross-sectional descriptive study: (Oman diabetic eye study 2002).
OBJECTIVE
A cross-sectional study was carried out to review the ocular status of 2,063 diabetic patients in Oman. A part of this study is presented to highlight the magnitude and determinants of glaucoma. The study also recommends policies for comprehensive care of glaucoma among diabetic patients. The ocular pressure, disc changes, and field changes were noted by ophthalmologists. The diabetes profile was noted by physicians.


RESULTS
The rate of glaucoma among diabetic patients was 8.87% (95% CI 8.12 to 9.62). Male diabetic patients had significantly higher rates of glaucoma than female diabetic patients. The rate was significantly higher in higher age groups. The mean ocular pressure in glaucomatous eyes was 28.6 mm Hg. The rate was not significantly different in patients with type I and type II diabetes (RR 1.03 [95% CI 0.61 to 1.79]). The risk of visual disability was higher among diabetic patients with glaucoma than diabetic patients without glaucoma (RR 1.56 [95% CI 1.14 to 2.13]).


CONCLUSIONS
Ocular pressure measurement could be a simple and reliable first-level screening tool. Diabetic patients with glaucoma should be given special care to reduce visual disability. All patients with diabetes should be thoroughly checked periodically to rule out glaucoma.
Eye Health Care, DSDC, DGHA, Ministry of Health, Muscat, Oman. rajshpp@omantel.net.om
R
R
Khandekar
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R
Zutshi
D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D005901:Glaucoma / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D007429:Intraocular Pressure; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009850:Oman / Q000453:epidemiology; D009898:Optic Disk / Q000473:pathology; D017678:Sex Distribution; D014794:Visual Fields