http://www.southsudanmedicaljournal.com/archive/august-2022/prevalence-of-glaucoma-among-patients-attending-buluk-eye-centre-juba-south-sudan-a-one-year-study.html

Abstract: Glaucoma, the second leading cause of blindness globally, remains a significant health concern in South Sudan. This one-year cross-sectional retrospective study, conducted at Buluk Eye Centre, aimed to determine the prevalence of glaucoma among patients attending the eye clinic from January 1st to December 31st, 2017. The study involved 16,727 patients (33,454 eyes) with an age range of 7 months to 90 years. Key findings include a glaucoma prevalence of 2.3%, with a higher incidence among females (58%) than males (42%). The age group most affected was 46-60 years. Additionally, 71.9% of patients presented with visual acuity of less than 3/60 in both eyes. The study highlights the seasonal variation in glaucoma cases, with the highest proportion occurring from July to September. Geographically, Central Equatoria contributed the highest percentage (39%) of glaucoma cases. The results underscore the continued impact of glaucoma on severe sight loss in South Sudan and emphasize the importance of early detection and intervention.

Keywords: Glaucoma, Buluk Eye Centre, Optic nerve cupping, South Sudan.

Introduction: Glaucoma ranks as the second leading cause of global blindness, contributing to 8% of total blindness worldwide. In Africa, glaucoma is responsible for 15% of blindness, with an anticipated increase in bilateral blindness cases from 8.4 million to 11.1 million between 2010 and 2020. Factors influencing glaucoma-related blindness include onset time, natural history, access to eye health services, quality of care, and compliance with treatment. This study addresses the prevalence of glaucoma in South Sudan, where awareness, access to care, and healthcare infrastructure pose challenges.

Method: The study, conducted at Buluk Eye Centre in Juba from January 1st to December 31st, 2017, employed a cross-sectional retrospective design. Data, extracted from patient registration cards, encompassed demographic variables. The dataset, comprising 16,727 patients, was analyzed using SPSS version 21, with statistical significance set at p<0.05. Patients underwent comprehensive eye examinations, including visual acuity tests, intraocular pressure measurements, and diagnostic procedures for glaucoma.

Results: The study population’s mean age was 56.7 years, with a higher prevalence of glaucoma among females (58%) compared to males (42%). Glaucoma accounted for 2.3% of diseases observed, with the 46-60 age group being the most affected (36.9%). A noteworthy 71.9% of patients presented with visual acuity less than 3/60 in both eyes. Seasonal variation in glaucoma cases was observed, with the highest proportion (29.4%) occurring from July to September. Geographically, Central Equatoria contributed the most cases (39%), while Abyei had the lowest (1%).

Conclusion: This study reaffirms glaucoma as a significant contributor to severe sight loss in South Sudan. Females and individuals aged 45-60 years are particularly affected. The findings underscore the importance of continued efforts to enhance awareness, accessibility to eye care services, and early detection initiatives to mitigate the impact of glaucoma in the region.

Citation: Sube, K. L., Lawrence, J. M., Lado, S. J., Sule, K. A., Awan, M. T., Oduh, C. V., … Cham, A. (2022). Prevalence of glaucoma among patients attending Buluk Eye Centre, Juba, South Sudan. South Sudan Medical Journal, 15(3), 87-91. doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ssmj.v15i3.2