Primary open angle glaucoma prevalence in patients over 40 years in a diagnostic campaign simulation

Purpose By means of a simulation of a large-scale diagnostic campaign for primary open angle glaucoma, to determine its prevalence in subjects over 40 years of age in the University of Monterrey. To describe the clinical and epidemiological profile of the patients diagnosed with glaucoma and to learn the benefits and limitations of large-scale glaucoma diagnosis. Methods Cross-sectional, descriptive, prevalence study with a 92-subject sample. The sample was obtained from the total population of collaborators over 40 years of age in University of Monterrey. By a simple proportion analysis the prevalence of primary open angle glaucoma was obtained with this variables: Van Herick iridocorneal angle depth estimation, evaluation through eye-fundus of optic nerve characteristics, Nerve Fiber Index by scanning laser polarimetry, and consent in diagnosis by two ophthalmologists in the cases that fulfill the requirements before mentioned. Results A prevalence of 4.3% of primary open-angle glaucoma was identified. Conclusions There is unreliable data over the prevalence of primary open-angle glaucoma in Mexico. The results of our study match consistently with the preexistent worldwide bibliography. The complete evaluation and diagnosis of patients with potential glaucoma is costly and logistically challenging work. Therefore, it is essential to develop an efficient and cost-effective screening method to further select which patients need a full evaluation.