Prevalence and Risk Factors of Suspected Glaucoma Identified Through a Point-of-Care Device in the Eye Camps of Rural Shivamogga, Karnataka.

BACKGROUND

Glaucoma, a progressive optic neuropathy and leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, is frequently asymptomatic until advanced stages, making early detection crucial to prevent vision loss. Conventional diagnosis is complex, requiring multiple examinations and specialist expertise. Digital tools like portable tonometry offer promising alternatives for community-based screening.

OBJECTIVES

To screen adult patients (≥40 years) attending District Blindness Camp Shivamogga (DBCS) screening camps for glaucoma using a point-of-care device. To assess the prevalence of suspected glaucoma in the screened population. To assess the risk factors associated with suspected glaucoma.

METHODS

This community-based cross-sectional study, conducted over a six-month period, recruited 904 adults ≥40 years using simple random sampling in the DBCS eye camp. After obtaining consent, demographic data, comorbidities, and ocular history were collected, followed by intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement using a point-of-care rebound tonometer. Participants flagged as glaucoma suspects were referred to a tertiary center for confirmatory evaluation.

RESULTS

A total of 904 adults ≥40 years were screened, with most aged 41-50 years (31.4%) and a female predominance (64.1%). Diabetes (30.7%) and hypertension (18.3%) were common. Elevated IOP was detected in 2.4% of right and 2.4% of left eyes, and these glaucoma suspects were referred for confirmatory evaluation. Hypertension and diabetes mellitus were found to have a statistically significant association with suspected glaucoma (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates the feasibility of incorporating point-of-care tonometry into community eye camps for early glaucoma detection. By combining portability, automated analysis, and referral linkage, this model can address the high proportion of undiagnosed glaucoma in resource-limited settings and reduce the burden of preventable blindness.