Introduction
Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness across the world, with increasing prevalence in the United States. Glaucoma progresses asymptomatically, making it difficult to detect despite diagnostic advancements. Due to its increased prevalence, stealthy onset, and potential for causing blindness, glaucoma is a significant public health concern worthy of investigation. This study examines glaucoma trends in the US from 1990 to 2019, focusing on prevalence, disability, and differences by sex and state.
Methods
Data on glaucoma patients from 1990 to 2019 was retrieved from the 2019 Global Burden of Disease database. Glaucoma prevalence rates and Years Lived with Disability (YLDs) attributable to glaucoma were analyzed using Excel, comparing trends between genders, over time, and across states.
Results
In 2019, Florida, Maine, and Hawaii had the highest glaucoma rates, at 102.88, 98.27, and 95.02, respectively, while Alaska, Utah, and Texas had the lowest at 52.04, 52.06, and 60.65 respectively. Prevalence and YLDs increased across the board from 1990 to 2019. Historically, females had higher rates of glaucoma, but the gap with males is closing, with males showing larger increases in both prevalence, growing 53.64% and YLDs, growing 49.91%, compared to female increases in prevalence and YLDs of 25.78% and 21.25% respectively. State analysis showed significant differences and variability in the female-to-male YLD ratio, with the highest ratios being in Hawaii Rhode Island, and Iowa, and the lowest being in Alaska, Nevada, and Idaho.
Discussion
The rise in glaucoma burden highlights the need for targeted public health strategies. The observed variations suggest genetic, environmental, and healthcare factors influence glaucoma burden. Improved healthcare access and lifestyle changes might explain the closing gender gap. Prioritizing screening and prevention, especially in high-prevalence areas, could reduce the glaucoma burden.