title: Epidemiology of glaucoma in sub-saharan Africa: prevalence, incidence and risk factors.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study is to review the epidemiology of different types of glaucoma relevant to Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and to discuss the evidence regarding the risk factors for onset and progression of glaucoma, including risk factors for glaucoma blindness.
  
  
  METHODS
  Electronic databases (PubMed, MedLine, African Journals Online- AJOL) were searched using the full text, Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms, author(s) and title to identify publications since 1982 in the following areas: population-based glaucoma prevalence and incidence studies in SSA and in African-derived black populations outside Africa; population-based prevalence and incidence of blindness and visual impairment studies in SSA including rapid assessment methods, which elucidate the glaucoma-specific blindness prevalence; studies of risk factors for glaucoma; and publications that discussed public health approaches for the control of glaucoma in Africa.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Studies highlighted that glaucoma in SSA is a public health problem and predominantly open-angle glaucoma. It is the second-leading cause of blindness, has a high prevalence, an early onset and progresses more rapidly than in Caucasians. These factors are further compounded by poor awareness and low knowledge about glaucoma even by persons affected by the condition.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Glaucoma care needs to be given high priority in Vision 2020 programs in Africa. Many questions remain unanswered and there is a need for further research in glaucoma in SSA in all aspects especially epidemiology and clinical care and outcomes involving randomized controlled trials. Genetic and genome-wide association studies may aid identification of high-risk groups. Social sciences and qualitative studies, health economics and health systems research will also enhance public health approaches for the prevention of blindness due to glaucoma.
authors.affiliation: International Centre for Eye Health, Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
authors.forename: Fatima
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Kyari
authors.forename: Mohammed M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Abdull
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bastawrous
authors.forename: Clare E
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Gilbert
authors.forename: Hannah
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Faal
mesh_terms: D017954:Africa South of the Sahara / Q000453:epidemiology; D001766:Blindness / Q000453:epidemiology; D055106:Genome-Wide Association Study; D005901:Glaucoma / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007429:Intraocular Pressure; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors
keywords: Africa; Epidemiology; Glaucoma prevalence; Glaucoma risk factors; Open-angle glaucoma; Sub-Saharan Africa