Epidemiological characterization of primary open-angle glaucoma

Background: The primary open-angle glaucoma is a problem for public health all over the world. It is a silent and slowly progressive disease leading to blindness. In most patients this can be prevented if the risk factors leading to the disease are detected in time. Objective: To describe some epidemiological factors of patients with primary open-angle glaucoma. Methods: Clinical, epidemiological, prospective and longitudinal study in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma who attended the glaucoma consultation of the Provincial General University Hospital "Dr. Gustavo Aldereguia Lima" of Cienfuegos, from January to February 2009. The following variables were analyzed: age, sex, family and personal medical history, toxic habits and time of diagnosis of the disease. Results: There was prevalence of primary open-angle glaucoma (87, 5%) mostly in females (53, 6%) and patients over 61 years old as well as in white skinned patients (52 and 62% respectively). Hypertension was the leading entity referred to as pathological personal and family antecedent (62 and 42% respectively). Glaucoma and myopia predominated as previous eye history. The most frequent toxic habits were the consumption of more than 2 cups of coffee a day (53%) and smoking (32%). The largest amount of patients had more than 5 years evolution of the disease. Conclusions: Primary open-angle glaucoma occurred mainly in female patients and those with a history of hypertension, glaucoma and myopia, as well as in over 61 years old patients.