Global variations and time trends in the prevalence of primary open angle glaucoma (POAG): a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Systematic review of published population based surveys to examine the relationship between primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) prevalence and demographic factors. A literature search identified population-based studies with quantitative estimates of POAG prevalence (to October 2014). Multilevel binomial logistic regression of log-odds of POAG was used to examine the effect of age and gender among populations of different geographical and ethnic origins, adjusting for study design factors. Eighty-one studies were included (37 countries, 216 214 participants, 5266 POAG cases). Black populations showed highest POAG prevalence, with 5.2% (95% credible interval (CrI) 3.7%, 7.2%) at 60 years, rising to 12.2% (95% CrI 8.9% to 16.6%) at 80 years. Increase in POAG prevalence per decade of age was greatest among Hispanics (2.31, 95% CrI 2.12, 2.52) and White populations (1.99, 95% CrI 1.86, 2.12), and lowest in East and South Asians (1.48, 95% CrI 1.39, 1.57; 1.56, 95% CrI 1.31, 1.88, respectively). Men were more likely to have POAG than women (1.30, 95% CrI 1.22, 1.41). Older studies had lower POAG prevalence, which was related to the inclusion of intraocular pressure in the glaucoma definition. Studies with visual field data on all participants had a higher POAG prevalence than those with visual field data on a subset. Globally 57.5 million people (95% CI 46.4 to 73.1 million) were affected by POAG in 2015, rising to 65.5 million (95% CrI 52.8, 83.2 million) by 2020. This systematic review provides the most precise estimates of POAG prevalence and shows omitting routine visual field assessment in population surveys may have affected case ascertainment. Our findings will be useful to future studies and healthcare planning.

Efficacy and safety of different regimens for primary open‐angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension: a systematic review and network meta‐analysis

“…2016; Kapetanakis et al. 2016). Incidence of POAG increases with age and is higher in women than men (Quigley & Broman 2006).…”

Recent Developments in Glaucoma

“…1 In 2015, 57.5 million people globally were affected by open-angle glaucoma and this is predicted to increase to 65.5 million by 2020. 2 The prevalence of glaucoma increases with age in all populations and generally more men and people of Hispanic and Black race are affected. Effective treatments to lower and maintain intraocular pressure (IOP) and convenient means of continuously monitoring it remain substantial unmet medical needs.…”

Early Clinical Experiences with Brinzolamide/Brimonidine Fixed Combination in Open-angle Glaucoma and Ocular Hypertension

“…Prevalence increases sharply with increasing age in all populations with a higher level in men and among Hispanic and Black populations. 2 The primary treatment goal is to reduce intraocular pressure (IOP), which is a risk factor for worsening of glaucoma-related neuropathy and axonal damage leading to vision loss. [3][4][5] Successful treatment for glaucoma is linked with good compliance/adherence, 6 yet many patients with glaucoma, especially those without symptoms, require multiple medications for adequate IOP control and this requirement may lead to compliance problems and consequently reduced efficacy.…”