Intraocular pressure screening during high-volume cataract surgery outreach in Ethiopia

Approximately 2.2 billion people worldwide have visual impairment; refractive error and cataracts are the most common cause of reversible blindness while glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness [1]. Early screening and treatment is particularly important for preventing the progression of glaucoma, which is generally asymptomatic until late in the disease course. The World Health Organization estimates that nearly 8 million cases of moderate or severe visual impairment or blindness from glaucoma could have been prevented or are untreated. Epidemiological data also suggests undetected glaucoma is more common in resource poor settings in Africa and Asia compared to Europe. Glaucoma screening in developing countries is limited by access to equipment, trained ophthalmic staff, and follow up.