Functional Mobility, Balance and Gait in Individuals with Early, Moderate and Advanced Primary Open Angle Glaucoma: A Pilot Study

Background: Primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) is believed to impact 6.48 million individuals aged above 50 years, its prevalence increasing with advancing age. Declines in visual function serve as a strong predictor for the emergence of gait, balance and mobility limitations in older adults. Moreover, individuals classified within the lowest tier of visual acuity exhibit markedly increased likelihoods of developing disturbances in balance and gait and are at significantly greater risk of falls. Methods: A pilot cross-sectional study was carried out in a tertiary hospital in Mangalore, Karnataka on older adults (≥ 55 years) with POAG. Each participant was assessed using POMA, Timed Up and Go test (TUG) and MOCA. The scores of outcome measures across the early, moderate, and advanced stages of POAG were compared. Results: Comparison analysis revealed that a significant deterioration was seen in functional mobility, gait, and balance in individuals with glaucoma, and the deterioration varies with disease severity. Interpretation and Conclusion: There is a clear and statistically significant deterioration in mobility, balance, and gait as glaucoma progresses from early to advanced stages. This emphasizes the importance of early intervention and fall risk assessments in glaucoma management. The results of this study suggest that incorporating mobility tests into routine physical therapy assessments of individuals with early glaucoma may be beneficial. KEYWORDS: Hydrophthalmos, Mobility Limitations, Postural Equilibrium, Walking Ability.