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Pattern of intraoccular pressure in Lagos


AO Onakoya

Abstract

Objective: To study the pattern of normal intraocular pressure (IOP) in Lagos, Nigeria.

Study Design: Prospective non-randomized uncontrolled hospital-based study.

Methodology: Consecutive new patients coming into three different eye clinics between June and August 2001 had their IOP measured by applanation. The demographic characteristics and laterality of the IOP measured were documented. Excluded were: patients with glaucoma, ocular trauma, ocular surgery, ocular inflammation, retinal/choroidal detachment, family history of glaucoma, myopia; patients on corticosteroid or antiglaucoma therapy; patients who had had an anaesthetic administered; and patients with systemic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes and thyroid disease. Statistical testing of significance was done using the student t-test, and level of significance was taken to be p<0.05. Data analysis was done using the EPI INFO 2002 software.

Results: A total of 500 patients aged 10B84 years were included. Patients in the seventh decade constituted the majority (25.2%). More than 25% of all patients were <40 years. The mean age was 49.3 years ±14.2. The male to female ratio was 1.1:1. IOP range was 8-23mmHg. Mean IOP for all patients was 14.95mmHg ±2.55. The mean IOP in the male patients was 14.87mmHg and for the female 15.11mmHg. This difference was not statistically-significant (p>0.05). Fellow eye IOP difference was 1.79mmHg in males and 1.70mmHg in females, which was not statistically significant (p>0.1). Mean IOP was 14.81mmHg for the right eye and 15.41mmHg for the left, and was not statistically significant (p>0.055). IOP increased with age from 13.85mmHg in the second decade to 16.21mmHg in the ninth decade.

Conclusion: The IOP range and mean IOP values are similar to those from other studies. IOP generally increased with age, tending to drop slightly after the seventh decade in males but rising steadily in females. The sex of the patient and laterality of IOP did not have a significant effect on IOP.

Keywords: intraocular pressure, glaucoma, intraocular pressure distribution

Nigerian Journal of Ophthalmology Vol. 13 (1) 2005: 1-3

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eISSN: 2468-8363
print ISSN: 0189-9171