A Cross Sectional Study To Determine The Prevalance Of Occludable Angles In Hypermetropes.

Background: Hypermetropic eyes are generally smaller in globe volume, resulting in crowding of anterior chamber when the lens size is normal. The aim of this study is to document the prevalence of occludable angles in hypermetropes visiting tertiary eye care centre of western region of India and to highlight the importance of screening for angle closure suspects in high risk groups. Material And Methods: This cross sectional study is based on clinical study of patients attended by M & J Western Regional Institute of Ophthalmology. The study group was divided into two subgroups: patients who are hyperopic on refraction and patients who are either emmetropic or myopic. Relative risk and Odd's ratio was calculated for relation between refractive error and occludable angle. Result: Risk of Occludable angle in hypermetropes = 0.23.Risk of Occludable angle in myopes and emmetropes = 0.06. Relative risk in hypermetropes = 4.15 i.e. hypermetropes have nearly 4 times risk of developing occludable angle than myopes and emmetropes. Relative risk in myopes and emmetropes = 0.24 i.e. myopes and emmetropes have 0.24 times risk of developing occludable angle than hypermetropes. Odd's ratio in the first group = 5.1 i.e. the possibility for a patient with occludable angle being a hypermetrope. Odd's ratio in the second group = 0.2 i.e. the possibility for a patient with occludable angle being a myope or an emmetrope. Conclusion: When occludable angle is detected on gonioscopy in > 270 degrees, a peripheral iridectomy can be performed as a prophylactic measure and patients can be given a liberal follow up. A society like India where people have less awareness regarding glaucoma being a silent thief and not understanding the importance follow up examination in glaucoma, gonioscopy should be made a part of routine examination and peripheral iridotomy done as necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]