Skl. Seah et al., INCIDENCE OF ACUTE PRIMARY ANGLE-CLOSURE GLAUCOMA IN SINGAPORE - AN ISLAND-WIDE SURVEY, Archives of ophthalmology, 115(11), 1997, pp. 1436-1440
Objectives: To determine the incidence oi acute primary angle-closure
glaucoma (APACG) in Singapore and to identify demographic and meteorol
ogical risk factors. Design: A prospective, island-wide incidence stud
y. Setting: All government and private ophthalmological practices in S
ingapore, from March 1, 1995, to February 29, 1996. Methods: New cases
of APACG were identified by all ophthalmologists in Singapore during
a 1-year period. Demographic and clinical details were recorded. Resul
ts: One hundred eighty-nine people (208 eyes) were seen with APACG for
the first time during the 1-year period. These new cases represent an
incidence of 12.2 per 100 000 per year (95% confidence interval, 10.5
-13.9) in those aged 30 years and older. Major risk factors identified
were female sex (relative risk, 2.4), Chinese ethnic origin (relative
risk, 2.8), and age of 60 years or older (relative risk; 9.1). Half o
f those affected were seen 3 days or more after the onset of symptoms.
Attacks were more frequent on hotter days. There also was a relations
hip between the number of attacks per day and the mean number of sunsp
ots and mean solar radio flux during the previous 30 days. Conclusions
: There is a high incidence of APACG in Singapore, with elderly women
being the highest risk group. Chinese Singaporeans are at higher risk
than other ethnic groups (Malay and Indian). There is often a substant
ial delay before these patients consult a physician. The onset of APAC
G seems to be associated with meteorological factors.