Glaucoma prevalence may be higher in US than previously anticipated, study suggests
The study estimated that found approximately 4.22 million people in the US have glaucoma, with as many as 1.49 million people with vision-affecting glaucoma.
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A new study1 that compiled data from 2022 has uncovered a higher prevalence in glaucoma than previously estimated in the US. The study, Prevalence of Glaucoma Among US Adults in 2022, was published in JAMA Ophthalmology and found that approximately 4.22 million people in the US have glaucoma, 1.62% of which were adults ages 18 and older, according to a news release from Prevent Blindness. As many as 1.49 million people have vision-affecting glaucoma, with 0.57% being adults ages 18 and older.2
The study was authored by researchers from NORC at the University of Chicago, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington (Seattle), The Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, and the Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Glaucoma Center of Excellence, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Vision HealthInitiatives, with dissemination support from Prevent Blindness.2
“Up-to-date estimates of how many people have glaucoma in a certain area are vital for addressing the problem. This kind of information if important for formulating evidence-based policy and public health solutions” said Joshua Ehrlich, MD, first author of the study, the release.
The study also notably found that Black individuals are about 3 times as likely to have vision-affecting glaucoma compared to their White counterparts. Additionally, an estimated 1.94 million individuals with male sex and/or gender and 2.29 million individuals with female sex-gender are living with glaucoma. As many as 1 in about 180 adults have vision loss from glaucoma, with risk increasing with age.1,2
“The data from the ‘Prevalence of Glaucoma in the U.S. in 2022’ study demonstrates that now, more than ever, is the time to dedicate resources to help the growing number of glaucoma patients obtain access to eye care to help save vision from the ‘Silent Thief of Sight,’” said Jeff Todd, president and CEO of Prevent Blindness, in the release.
Additionally, glaucoma rates also vary by geographical location. The study found that Mississippi had the highest prevalence rate at 1.95%, and Utah had the lowest at 1.11%.2
“These new glaucoma prevalence data can help inform policy planning related to vision health and will be valuable as states and localities work to support their aging populations,” said John D Omura, MD, a co-author of the study and a medical officer at CDC.
All study estimates were developed using data in the CDC’s Vision and Eye Health Surveillance System (VEHSS). The system utilizes new and existing data sources that can be used by health professionals, researchers, policy makers, and patients to understand eye care services and prevalent eye disorders and vision loss.2
“To estimate the national prevalence of glaucoma and vision-affecting glaucoma, we used methods developed as part of the Global Burden of Disease Study, which is the most comprehensive study of its kind. These estimates are critical to understand the impact of glaucoma, how trends are changing, and how policymakers can take action with these results,” said Abraham Flaxman, PhD, associate professor at IHME, who led the statistical modeling on the paper, in the release.
“These estimates mark the fourth set of national, state, and county level estimates created by the Vision and Eye Health Surveillance System, joining previously published estimates of vision impairment and blindness, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. Collectively, these estimates expand our understanding of which Americans experience vision loss, blindness and the major diseases that cause vision problems,” said David B Rein, PhD, principal investigator of VEHSS, and NORC Senior Fellow, in the release.
References:
Ehrlich JR, Burke-Conte Z, Wittenborn JS, Saaddine J, Omura JD. Prevalence of glaucoma among US adults in 2022. JAMA Opthalmol. 2024. doi:10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2024.3884
New research study estimates glaucoma and vision-affecting glaucoma prevalence by demographic factors, and by US state and county. News release. Prevent Blindness. October 17, 2024. Accessed October 21, 2024. https://preventblindness.org/new-glaucoma-prevalence-study/
