GLAUCOMA – A SOCIO ECONOMIC PERSPECTIVE
To identify the socio-economic risk factors for advanced presentation of primary glaucoma. 30 consecutive cases each of early and advanced glaucoma patients (late presenters) visiting R.L. Jalappa Hospital, Tamaka, Kolar were selected for the study. Advanced presenters: no perception of light or with severe field loss within 20 degrees of fixation or C: D ratio >0.8. Patients underwent detailed ocular examinations family and social history, occupation, education, and socioeconomic status was graded accordingly. Primary glaucoma was most common in low socio-economic groups. Less educated patients were more likely to have a late presentation. Skilled and semi-skilled workers are most likely to present early. Increased travel expenditure also contributed to late presentation. The lack of knowledge about family history of glaucoma contributed to late presentation