A Clinical Evaluation and Manifestation of Secondary Glaucoma: A Descriptive Analysis of Patient Demographics and Symptomatology

Abstract

Introduction: Secondary glaucoma is a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) resulting from identifiable underlying ocular or systemic conditions. It represents a significant global burden, accounting for a substantial proportion of glaucoma-related visual impairment worldwide. Comprehensive demographic and clinical data remain limited, particularly in sub-Saharan African populations, underscoring the need for descriptive regional studies.
Materials and methods: This observational, cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary ophthalmology center between November 2025 and April 2026. A consecutive sample of 74 patients with confirmed secondary glaucoma was enrolled. Data collected included patient demographics, medical and ocular history, clinical presentations, intraocular pressure measurements by applanation tonometry, and ophthalmic examination findings. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25.0, with descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages) and correlation analyses (significance threshold: p < 0.05).
Results: A total of 74 patients (mean age 54.2 years; range 10–93 years) were analyzed. Female patients constituted 58.1% of the cohort, and the 50–69-year age group was the most affected (43.2%). Visual acuity decrease was the leading symptom (91.9%), followed by ocular pain (70.3%) and red eye (64.9%). Secondary glaucoma was the predominant diagnosis (60.8%), with traumatic (16.2%) and uveitic (10.8%) etiologies being the most frequent specific subtypes. Elevated IOP (≥30 mmHg) was recorded in 63.5% of patients, and 27% presented with severely elevated IOP (≥50 mmHg). A strong correlation was observed between symptom duration and visual acuity loss (r = 0.65).
Conclusion: Secondary glaucoma predominantly affects females (58.1%) and middle-aged to elderly patients (50–69 years; 43.2%), with traumatic and uveitic etiologies being most common among younger and female patients respectively. Early diagnosis is critical given the strong association between delayed presentation and progressive visual loss. Future prospective multicenter studies are needed to confirm these findings across broader populations.