A Cross-Sectional Study of Causes of Secondary Glaucomas at a Tertiary Eye Care Centre

Introduction: Secondary glaucomas(SG) are defined by the presence of elevated intra ocular pressure (IOP) with/without optic neuropathy changes, associated with some primary ocular/systemic disease resulting in severe visual impairment.

Objective: To determine the causes of secondary glaucomas in a tertiary eye care centre.

Materials and Methods: It was a cross-sectional study carried out in medical college hospital over a period of 2 years on 52 patients of either gender, aged < 70 years who presented with IOP >21mmHg, excluding primary open angle/angle closure and congenital glaucoma cases underwent detailed ophthalmic examination (glaucoma evaluation) and the collected data was analysed using SPSS version 20.0.

Results: In our study the majority of cases (51.9%) were in the age group of 60 – 70 years, with a slight female preponderance i.e male to female ratio of 2:3. Pseudoexfoliation glaucoma was the most common cause of SG seen in 15 (28%) cases followed by 7(13%) cases of SG in post cataract surgery and 7 (13%) cases of SG in post vitreo retinal surgery. The least common causes were Irido corneal endothelial syndrome, SG due to elevated episcleral venous pressure.

Conclusion: Our study concluded as the most common cause of SG was Pseudoexfoliation glaucoma. SG is a significant public health disease, commonly seen in elderly population having a potential to cause severe visual impairment & blindness. Hence early detection & prompt treatment plays a vital role