Assessment of prevalence and risk factors of glaucoma in rural population of above 40 years of belagavi district – a one year cross sectional study

Abstract

Glaucoma is defined as “An optic neuropathy in which there is damage to optic nerve with typical loss of nerve fibers as a result of which there is increased cupping of the optic disc”. Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness across the world. The loss of vision occurs gradually over a prolonged period of time and is usually recognized only when the disease is reasonably advanced. The impact of visual disability and blindness from glaucoma is most likely costly. Early detection and treatment can prevent or delay loss of vision among most of the patients. Population-based studies are important for assessment of disease burden, health care policy planning and appropriate resource allocation. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of glaucoma andrisk factors for glaucoma among rural population of Belgaum district, Karnataka.