Glaucoma More Prevalent Than Estimated
A new study “Prevalence of Glaucoma Among US Adults in 2022” published in JAMA Ophthalmology, found that approximately 4.22 million people in the U.S. have glaucoma, and 1.49 million people have vision-affecting glaucoma, with substantial variation in prevalence across demographics, states, and counties in 2022. Among those 40 and older, 2.56% have glaucoma and 0.91% have vision-affecting glaucoma. This study leveraged new multi-source, composite estimates of the prevalence of glaucoma and vision-affecting glaucoma in the U.S. for those 18 and older. It was authored by researchers from multiple institutions with support from Prevent Blindness and the CDC Vision Health Initiative. invisionmag.com/112402
Glaucoma 2033 Forecasts Are Even Higher
The burden of diagnosed prevalent cases of primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) (including normal tension glaucoma (NTG)) is forecast to increase at an annual growth rate of 1% from around 9.1 million cases in 2023 to 10 million in 2033 in the seven major markets (US, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the U.K., and Japan), according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company. Their report, “Glaucoma: Epidemiology Forecast to 2033’” reveals that the increase is partly attributed to increased disease awareness and improved diagnostic testing, combined with underlying demographic changes in the respective markets. In the U.S. and 5EU markets, the average proportion of NTG among POAG is approximately 40%. invisionmag.com/112403
Educating Caregivers on Retinal Disease
The Gr8 Eye Movement, a disease awareness campaign from Prevent Blindness and Regeneron, is focusing on the needs of caregivers of those at risk for retinal conditions. The campaign launched last year to prioritize eye health with an emphasis on increasing awareness of wet age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema, and diabetic retinopathy. The movement is broadening its focus to the crucial role of those caring for aging loved ones at risk for these diseases and offering resources to support them. A national survey of at-risk adults and their loved ones shows a significant gap in caregivers’ understanding of retinal conditions, with almost 80% mistakenly viewing vision loss as an inevitable part of aging. www.gr8eyemovement.com
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