U.S. Glaucoma Prevalence and Risk Factors Study

A new study titled “Prevalence of Glaucoma Among US Adults in 2022”, published in JAMA Ophthalmology, has revealed updated statistics on the prevalence of glaucoma in the United States. The research shows that approximately 4.22 million U.S. adults (1.62% of those aged 18 and older) are living with glaucoma, with 1.49 million (0.57% of adults) experiencing vision-impairing glaucoma.

Glaucoma Prevalence by Age and Demographic Groups

The study, conducted by a team of experts from NORC at the University of Chicago, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington, and other institutions, provides a detailed breakdown of glaucoma prevalence. The prevalence among individuals aged 40 and older rises to 2.56%, with 0.91% experiencing vision-affecting glaucoma. These figures present a more comprehensive estimate than previous 2016 data, which only focused on adults over 40 and did not consider vision impairment.

Impact of Glaucoma and Public Health Significance

The findings underscore the irreversible impact of glaucoma-related vision loss, often referred to as the “Silent Thief of Sight.” According to the CDC, many people remain unaware they have the disease, as it progresses without noticeable symptoms. Early detection and timely treatment are essential in preventing or delaying permanent vision loss, which can significantly impact independence and overall well-being.

“Having up-to-date estimates on glaucoma prevalence is crucial for developing effective, evidence-based public health policies,” said lead author Joshua Ehrlich, MD. This data will guide policy planning, resource allocation, and strategies to address glaucoma, particularly in underserved areas with limited access to eye care services.

Barriers to Eye Care and At-Risk Populations

The study highlights various contributing factors to glaucoma-related vision loss, including:

• Cost of treatment and limited access to care.

• The presence of other chronic conditions and family history.

• Lack of awareness about glaucoma and the importance of early intervention.

By identifying these factors, the study aims to inform public health efforts and target interventions to protect vulnerable populations.

Methodology and Data Collection for Policy Impact

The study utilized new multi-source composite data through the CDC’s Vision and Eye Health Surveillance System (VEHSS), which combines existing and new data sources. This approach provides national, state, and county-level estimates to understand the scope of vision loss, eye diseases, and care services.

David B. Rein, PhD, Principal Investigator of the VEHSS, emphasized the value of the fourth set of national estimates, which expands knowledge on vision-related conditions such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy.

“These estimates, alongside data on other conditions, broaden our understanding of the prevalence of vision loss and its causes among Americans,” Rein noted. Abraham Flaxman, PhD, a study leader from IHME, added that the methodology was derived from the Global Burden of Disease Study, helping policymakers track glaucoma’s impact and monitor trends.

Resources and Education to Combat Glaucoma

Prevent Blindness, a collaborator on the study, offers a variety of educational materials on glaucoma, including fact sheets and financial assistance information in English and Spanish. They also provide “The Glaucoma Community”, a digital education platform developed with Responsum Health, which offers personalized newsfeeds, community chats, and tools for patients to manage their care.

Jeff Todd, President and CEO of Prevent Blindness, emphasized the study's importance: “The findings from this study underscore the growing need to allocate resources to help glaucoma patients access necessary eye care. It’s more important than ever to take action to prevent vision loss from the ‘Silent Thief of Sight.’”

References:

Ehrlich JR, Burke-Conte Z, Wittenborn JS, et al. Prevalence of Glaucoma Among US Adults in 2022. JAMA Ophthalmol. Published online October 17, 2024. doi:10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2024.3884

New Study Finds Higher Prevalence of Glaucoma Than Previously Estimated - Prevent Blindness. Prevent Blindness. Published October 17, 2024. Accessed October 23, 2024. https://preventblindness.org/new-glaucoma-prevalence-study/