Glaucoma can be considered a group of eye diseases [1] that have in common a characteristic acquired loss of retinal ganglion cells, at levels beyond the normal loss due to age and corresponding atrophy of the optic nerve [1] demonstrated by a loss of sensitivity of the visual field and leading in the long term to irreversible visual impairment [1]. Glaucomas are classified according to anatomy, etiology, age of onset and pathogenesis [2]. Three forms are mainly encountered: open angle glaucoma (OAG), angle closure glaucoma (ACG) and congenital glaucoma (CG). Depending on the aetiology, open-angle glaucomas and angle-closure glaucomas can be classified as primary or secondary.

Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the world according to WHO and the non-governmental organization (NGO) consortium “Vision 2020”. They are the leading cause of irreversible blindness and represent around 15% of all blindness [3], [4]. In 2013, the number of people (aged 40–80) with glaucoma worldwide was estimated at 64.3 million [3]. This number would be 76.0 million in 2020 and 111.8 million in 2040 [3]; nearly 74% will be open angle glaucomas [5]. Bilateral blindness linked to open-angle glaucoma in 2020 is thought to affect 5.9 million patients worldwide [5]. The blindness caused by glaucoma places a psychological burden on the individual and his family as they can no longer do anything on their own and are in constant need of assistance. Economically, it constitutes a shortfall for the states. Among the major glaucomatous forms, primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is the leading cause of irreversible blindness [3]. In a meta-analysis published in 2006, the prevalence of POAG was estimated at 2.1% for the Caucasian population, 4.2% for the black population and 1.4% for the Asian population [6]. The prevalence of POAG, the most important form, varies by geography, race, age, and ethnicity [3], [7]. According to some studies, the prevalence of POAG is higher in the melanodermic population [3], [8], [9]. For the same ethnic origin, there can be notable differences which are probably explained by genetic polymorphisms but also by environmental variations.

Being a multifactorial disease, the occurrence of glaucoma would be under the influence of a genetic and environmental components. Predisposition genes would play a very important role, however there are other major risk factors such as advanced age, ethnicity, family history, high intraocular pressure (IOP), diabetes and high myopia, which can significantly increase the risk of developing glaucoma [7], [8], [10], [11]. The only parameter that can be acted upon in the management of glaucoma is IOP. The aim of medical and surgical treatment is to reduce intraocular pressure.

In Burkina Faso, although glaucoma was taken into account in the 2016-2020 strategic eye health plan [12], there is very little data available on glaucoma, and the population remains under informed. Glaucoma is therefore still a public health problem for the country. It is in this context that this study is being carried out with the aim of determining the prevalence of glaucoma and identifying the glaucomatous phenotypes circulating in Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso with a view to looking for the polymorphisms of the genes involved in the occurrence of the pathology for prevention and for adequate patient care.