Unveiling Current Profile of Secondary Glaucoma from A Tertiary Eye Care Centre In Southern India

Abstract

Introduction: Secondary glaucoma is a significant cause of visual morbidity and present a major challenge to ophthalmologists. Given their varied aetiological profile across regions, understanding the current spectrum is essential for early detection, timely diagnosis, and prompt management to prevent irreversible vision loss.

Objective: To determine the clinical profile and aetiological pattern of secondary glaucoma in a tertiary eye care centre in Southern India.

Methodology: This hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary eye care centre in Southern India from 2023 December to 2024 May. Consecutive sampling technique was utilised and ethical approval was taken. Patients diagnosed with secondary glaucoma, based on defined inclusion criteria, were enrolled after obtaining ethical approval. All patients underwent a comprehensive ophthalmic evaluation including visual acuity assessment, slit-lamp examination, tonometry, gonioscopy, and fundus examination. Data were analysed using the SPSS version 21.0

Result: Among 8034 glaucoma patients, 524 (6.5%) had secondary glaucoma. The mean age was 50 ± 18 years, with a male predominance (336, 64.1%). The most common causes were pseudoexfoliative glaucoma (121, 23.1%), neovascular glaucoma (105, 20.0%), and steroid-induced glaucoma (102, 19.5%). Nearly half of the patients (258, 49.2%) presented with visual acuity <3/60, and 65 (12.4%) had no light perception. Advanced optic nerve damage was noted in a significant proportion (50,9.54%).

Conclusion: Secondary glaucomas constitute a diverse and significant clinical entity with considerable visual morbidity. Late presentation and advanced optic nerve damage highlight the need for improved screening, early diagnosis, and timely intervention. Region-specific data such as this can guide better clinical decision-making and resource allocation in managing secondary glaucoma.