title: LV Prasad Eye Institute Glaucoma Epidemiology and Molecular Genetic Study (LVPEI- GLEAMS). Report 1: study design and research methodology.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  In the developing world, more than 90% of glaucoma is undetected due to the lack of appropriate screening methods. The LV Prasad Eye Institute Glaucoma Epidemiology and Molecular Genetic Study (LVPEI-GLEAMS) is a population-based study which aims to estimate the prevalence of, along with clinical, systemic and genetic risk factors for glaucoma in a rural population sampled from the state of Andhra Pradesh, India. The study aims to develop community screening strategies to diagnose glaucoma. This article describes the methodology adopted in LVPEI-GLEAMS.
  
  
  METHODS
  A sample of 3833 participants aged 40 years and older has been estimated to be enrolled using a compact segment sampling method with probability proportionate to size. Each participant will undergo a complete medical history and comprehensive eye examination including slit lamp photography, imaging of anterior and posterior segment, frequency doubling technology and standard automated perimetry. Additionally, glycosylated hemoglobin will be measured and a genetic profile based on candidate gene analysis will be undertaken. Clinical, biochemical and genetic data will be stored in a computerized database and analyzed. The novelty of this study lies in the fact that it is conducted at a vision center (primary eye care center serving a population of 50,000) by a vision technician (high school educated rural youth trained in basic ophthalmic techniques for a year).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Information from the diagnostic techniques of the study will be used to develop effective community-level screening strategies, and insights from risk factors associated with glaucoma will help develop appropriate detection and management strategies.
authors.affiliation: VST Center for Glaucoma Services, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, India.
authors.forename: Uday K
authors.initials: UK
authors.lastname: Addepalli
authors.forename: Ganesh B
authors.initials: GB
authors.lastname: Jonnadula
authors.forename: Chandra Sekhar
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Garudadri
authors.forename: Harsha Laxmana
authors.initials: HL
authors.lastname: Rao
authors.forename: Padmaja K
authors.initials: PK
authors.lastname: Rani
authors.forename: Subhabrata
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Chakrabarti
authors.forename: Eric B
authors.initials: EB
authors.lastname: Papas
authors.forename: Padmaja
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Sankaridurg
authors.forename: Rohit C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Khanna
mesh_terms: D000047:Academies and Institutes; D000328:Adult; D000886:Anthropometry; D003906:Developing Countries; D004812:Epidemiologic Methods; D015340:Epidemiologic Research Design; D005260:Female; D005901:Glaucoma / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000235:genetics*; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin / Q000378:metabolism; D006068:Gonioscopy; D006801:Humans; D007194:India / Q000453:epidemiology; D007429:Intraocular Pressure; D008297:Male; D008967:Molecular Biology; D009885:Ophthalmology; D010865:Pilot Projects; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012424:Rural Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014065:Tonometry, Ocular
chemical_list: D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin; C517652:hemoglobin A1c protein, human