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. PURPOSE: 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.