Referral patterns of children with glaucoma and their caretakers in Northern Tanzania

Abstract

"AIM: To describe the referral patterns of children with primary childhood glaucoma (PCG) or secondary childhood glaucoma (SCG) and their presenting symptoms in Northern Tanzania. METHODS: A retrospective observational study of children 0.48, better eye). Most of the children (60%) and their caretakers presented on their own initiative, while 24% were sent by different general health cadres and 16% by eye care professionals. Buphthalmos was the main symptom mentioned as a trigger for presentation. CONCLUSION: The study shows that most of the children presented late resulting in advanced stages of glaucoma at the time of initiation of treatment. The majority attended the referral eye department on their own initiative with buphthalmos being the most commonly described symptom. Awareness creation among caretakers of children, general health and eye care providers, ideally embedded in general child health promotion activities, is needed to increase and accelerate referrals."

Keywords

• primary childhood glaucoma
• secondary childhood glaucoma
• referral
• africa