Clinical presentation, severity and progression of primary angle closure in malay and chinese patients

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical presentation, severity and progression of primary angle closure between Chinese and Malays residing in Malaysia.

METHODS: A comparative retrospective record review study was conducted involving one hundred (200 eyes) Malay and fifty eight (116 eyes) Chinese patients. They were selected from medical records of Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan and Hospital Pulau Pinang, Penang, Malaysia. The selected patients were re-diagnosed based on the International Society of Geographical and Epidemiological classification. The clinical data on presentation including the presence of systemic diseases were documented. Progression of the disease was based on available reliable visual fields and optic disc changes of patients who have been on follow-up for at least five years.

RESULTS: Malay patients presented at older age (61.4 years SD 8.4) compared to Chinese (60.6 years SD 8.3). There was significant higher baseline Intraocular Pressure (IOP) among Malays (34.7 SD 18.5mmHg) compared to Chinese (30.3 SD 16.7mmHg) (p=0.032). The Chinese patients presented with significantly better visual acuity (p<0.001) and less advanced cup to disc changes (p=0.001) compared to Malays. Malay patients progressed faster than the Chinese. Majority progressed within 1 year of diagnosis. Malays without laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI) have a 4 fold (95% CI 1.4, 10.9) risk of progression. Higher baseline IOP, more advanced visual field defect and absence of LPI was identified as significant predictors associated with progression.

CONCLUSION: The Malays presented with more advanced angle closure glaucoma as compared to the Chinese in Malaysia. Aggressive disease progression was observed in Malays with the onset of optic neuropathy. Effective public awareness and aggressive management is important to prevent blindness in the Malaysian population.