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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Kelechi R. Mezu, OD, MS, Department of Public Health, Morgan State University, 343 Jenkens Building, 1700 E. Cold Spring Lane, Baltimore, MD 21251-0001, 410-521-8466, kysarti@yahoo.com and Olachi J Mezu, OD, School of Medicine., Ross University School of Medicine, New York., 460 west 34th St. 12th Floor., New York City, NY 10001-2369.
Glaucoma is a major public health problem in the United States today, being the second most prevalent form of permanent blindness. About 3 million Americans have glaucoma, with almost 120,000 people blind from it. African Americans are 7-8 times more likely to develop glaucoma compared to other races. In 1997, the National Eye Institute funded 146 extramural research projects in the Glaucoma Program at a total cost of $29,935,000. Healthy People 2010 has specific vision care objectives designed to reduce impairment from ocular disorders like glaucoma. Despite studies like the Baltimore Eye Survey and the Collaborative Initial Glaucoma Treatment Study, research is lacking regarding quality of life of patients living with glaucoma. If untreated and unrecognized, glaucoma causes irreversible blindness, loss in functional and health related quality of life.4 Subsequently, early detection and treatment is crucial in preventing irreparable vision loss. The aim was to determine the quality of life indicators in patients diagnosed with primary open angle glaucoma. Methodology: A hundred participants aged 35-75 were identified through patient records. Telephone interviews and the surveys were administered and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results revealed that various quality of life indicators in susceptible patients and its impact on their daily lives. Conclusion: It is hoped that this research will educate both patients and practitioners about relevant quality of life issues that in glaucoma management.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participants will be able to
Keywords: Quality of Life, Vision Care
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: N/A
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.