Glaucoma in Developing Countries

Abstract

Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness worldwide. The diagnosis and management of glaucoma is especially difficult in the developing countries. Lack of cost effective screening strategies, low income, low rates of literacy and inadequate infrastructures and human resources for eye care services are the obstacles for delivering glaucoma service. Majority of people with glaucoma in developing countries usually present at an advanced stage at the time of diagnosis; which negatively affects their quality of life. Further research, proper allocation of resources and collaborative effort by blindness prevention programs will hopefully provide new evidences on cost effective ways to screen and manage glaucoma in the future. This article aims to highlight the burden of glaucoma and ways to address the challenges in developing countries.

Outcomes after combined excisional goniotomy and manual small incision cataract surgery

“…G laucoma and visually significant cataracts often coexist due to shared epidemiological characteristics and risk factors [1][2][3] . Both diseases are also leading causes of blindness in developed and developing countries [4][5][6] .…”

Tackling Blindness from the Scourge of Glaucoma

“…Access is also hampered by a lack of health facilities for 63 percent of the country's rural population, as well as insufficient infrastructure. 3 There is also a dearth of eye care professionals and in 2015, there were only 14.8 ophthalmologists per million people in Pakistan. 4 To prevent and treat glaucoma, it is crucial to educate public, including patients at risk for or with glaucoma.…”

“…5 Additionally, in most developing nations, glaucoma cases go undetected in close to 90% of patients. 3 programs; however, further research is needed to assess their efficacy in our populations. 6 Another approach is case finding, which involves assessing patients who fall into high-risk groups.…”

“…. 3 Tools such as teleglaucoma may also be very helpful in offering point of care testing and bridging the gap between physicians and patients. 3 Developing a care pathway for glaucoma will also ensure patients receive quality care in the appropriate setting (either in their communities or in secondary or tertiary centers).…”

“…5 Poor compliance with glaucoma treatment may stem from lack patient knowledge about the disease and the cost of treatment as well as other factors. 3 This, along with further research into etiologies and novel treatment approaches, is an important area for further research.…”