[New epidemiologic approach to intraocular pressure in an Antananarivo population].

PURPOSE

The Malagasy population is a mixture from many ethnic origins. The Merina population is generally of Asiatic origin. The purpose of this study was to report the main characteristics of Merina intraocular pressure and their risk factors.

METHODS

Screening was conducted in 1507 apparently healthy subjects with no known ocular disease (such as glaucoma) living in Antananarivo. Intraocular pressure was measured with a Goldmann tonometer.

RESULTS

Males predominated (54.81%). The distribution of aplanation pressure followed an asymmetrical Gaussian pattern. In the Merina population, mean intraocular pressure was low (13.50+/-3.5mmHg, m+/-SD) and increased with age. There was no difference by gender. The prevalence of ocular hypertension was 1.43%. It was slightly higher in females and increased to the age of 50 years, then decreased. Among possible risk factors, only familial glaucoma was significantly frequent.

CONCLUSION

The mean intraocular pressure in the Merina population is lower than the accepted statistical mean and is similar in both sexes. The prevalence of intraocular hypertension is also low but glaucoma develops early. Some of our data are similar to those observed in western populations (mean intraocular pressure increases with age). Other points are similar to the Asian population (low mean intraocular pressure and low frequency of intraocular hypertension and its progression after 50 years).