Socioeconomic Factors Increase Glaucoma-Related Vision Loss Risk

The global prevalence of blindness and vision loss caused by glaucoma is decreasing, according to the results of a recent study. However, several socioeconomic factors, such as Socio-Demographic Index (SDI) score and income level are associated with higher prevalence.

To better understand the rates of glaucoma-related vision impairment, the researchers analyzed data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017. The researchers then assessed for age, gender, region, and SDI levels, Human Development Index (HDI) scores, inequality-adjusted HDI, and other data.

The results indicated that the overall age-standardized prevalence of blindness and vision loss caused by glaucoma in 2017 was 75.6 per 100,000 worldwide. In comparison, the overall prevalence was 81.5 per 100,000 in 1990. Men had a higher age-standardized prevalence than women (6.07% and 5.42%, respectively) in 2017. The prevalence also increased with age, with 0.5 per 100,000 in the 45- to 49-year age group and 112.9 per 100,000 among those aged older than 70 years.

During the 27-year period, the highest prevalence was observed among Eastern Mediterranean and African regions and areas of low SDI and low-income levels. The lowest prevalence was observed among the Americas region and in areas of high SDI and high income.

Lower prevalence was associated with cataract surgery rates, refractive error prevalence, and expected years of schooling. Higher prevalence was associated with gross national income per capita.

“Lower socioeconomic levels and worse access to eyecare services are associated with higher prevalence of glaucoma-related blindness and vision loss,” the researchers concluded. “These findings provide evidence for policy-makers that investments in these areas may reduce the burden of the leading cause of irreversible blindness.”

—Leigh Precopio

Reference:

Sun Y, Chen A, Zou M, et al. Time trends, associations and prevalence of blindness and vision loss due to glaucoma: an analysis of observational data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017. BMJ Open. Published online January 6, 2022. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2021-053805