Purpose: To describe the methodology of a population-based study to estimate the prevalence of glaucoma in a rural and urban South Indian population and to study the genetics of glaucoma in this population.
Methods: A sample size of 4758 each for rural and urban populations in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu was calculated. Eligible subjects aged 40 years and above from the rural study area covering 32 contiguous villages and the urban area comprising five random clusters in Chennai city are enumerated. Demographic data are collected in the field. A detailed clinical examination, including glaucoma diagnostic procedures, is conducted at the examination centre. Pedigree ascertainment and genetic studies are performed for subjects with occludable angles or glaucoma. Data are recorded in a computerised database.
Conclusions: This study is expected to result in an estimation of the prevalence and a better understanding of the genetics of glaucoma in this region.