Glaucoma subtypes in Ethiopian clinic patients.
BACKGROUND
Until population-based data become available in Ethiopia, hospital-based studies may reflect the distribution of the subtypes of glaucoma in certain parts of the country.


OBJECTIVE
The main aim of this study was to determine the subtypes of glaucoma in Jimma University Hospital, Ethiopia.


METHODS
A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Jimma University Hospital from April 1, 2007 to March 30, 2008. The study population consisted of 335 consecutive new and follow-up patients with glaucoma diagnosed based on strict objective criteria.


RESULTS
The mean (SD) age of the study patients was 57.0 (12.7) years (range, 8 to 90 y). The male to female ratio was 2.7:1. The 2 most common subtypes of glaucoma found were exfoliation glaucoma (35.2%) and primary open angle glaucoma (32.8%). Primary angle closure glaucoma was diagnosed in 18.5% of patients.


CONCLUSIONS
The finding of exfoliation glaucoma as the most common subtype of glaucoma in the present clinic-based study is interesting. Such observation has never been reported from anywhere in Africa. We recommend community-based surveys to define the real distribution of the glaucoma subtypes in Ethiopia.
Department of Ophthalmology, College of Public Health and Medical Sciences, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia. addisneo@gmail.com
Addis
A
Tenkir
Berhan
B
Solomon
Amare
A
Deribew
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D044383:Black People; D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005002:Ethiopia / Q000453:epidemiology; D017889:Exfoliation Syndrome / Q000208:ethnology*; D005260:Female; D015812:Glaucoma, Angle-Closure / Q000208:ethnology*; D005902:Glaucoma, Open-Angle / Q000208:ethnology*; D006068:Gonioscopy; D006801:Humans; D007429:Intraocular Pressure / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009898:Optic Disk / Q000473:pathology; D017678:Sex Distribution; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000502:physiology; D055815:Young Adult