A Cross-sectional Analysis of Visual Field Defects in Newly Diagnosed Glaucoma Patients at a Tertiary Care Center

Introduction: Glaucoma is a leading cause of global blindness and often remains undetected until significant vision loss has occurred. In India, it contributes to 23.5% of blindness, with socioeconomic factors influencing the severity of the disease at presentation. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess visual field defects in newly diagnosed glaucoma patients and explore the clinical and social factors influencing disease severity. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 50 glaucoma patients at a tertiary care center in Central India (December 2022–September 2023). Visual acuity, intraocular pressure, anterior chamber angle, optic disc status, and socioeconomic status (SES) were evaluated. Data were analyzed using Fisher’s exact test ( P < 0.001). Results: In our study, 52% of participants were male, with a mean age of 59.65 years. (1) Forty percent of eyes had moderate visual field defects, and 24% had severe defects. (2) Severe defects were more frequent in patients from lower SES groups, whereas higher SES patients tended to have milder defects. Conclusion: Glaucoma severity correlates with SES. Disadvantaged groups are more likely to present with advanced disease due to delayed care. Public health efforts should prioritize early detection, particularly in lower SES communities.