Study estimates glaucoma and vision-affecting glaucoma prevalence by demographic factors

(Image credit: Adobe Stock/Dusko)

A recent study titled “Prevalence of Glaucoma Among US Adults in 2022,” published in JAMA Ophthalmology, reveals that approximately 4.22 million adults in the United States (1.62% of those aged 18 and older) have glaucoma, with 1.49 million (0.57% of adults) affected by vision-impairing glaucoma.

The study, conducted in 2022, highlights significant variations in glaucoma prevalence across different demographic groups, states, and counties. Among individuals aged 40 and older, the prevalence rises to 2.56%, with 0.91% experiencing vision-affecting glaucoma. These findings offer more comprehensive estimates than previous 2016 data, which focused only on adults over 40 and did not account for vision-impairing glaucoma.¹

The research team included experts from NORC at the University of Chicago, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington, the University of Michigan’s Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, and the CDC’s Vision Health Initiative, with support from Prevent Blindness. Funded through a CDC cooperative agreement, the study utilized new multi-source, composite data to provide a detailed understanding of glaucoma prevalence among U.S. adults aged 18 and older.

Since glaucoma-related vision loss is irreversible, its impact can lead to disability, loss of independence, and diminished overall health and well-being. Often termed the "Silent Thief of Sight," glaucoma can progress without symptoms, and according to the CDC, about half of those affected are unaware they have the disease. While there is no cure for glaucoma, early detection and treatment can prevent or delay permanent vision loss.

“Having up-to-date estimates on glaucoma prevalence is crucial for developing effective, evidence-based public health policies,” said Joshua Ehrlich, MD, lead author of the study. These updated statistics, highlighting populations at greater risk, will guide policy planning, resource allocation, and public health strategies to combat glaucoma, especially in underserved areas with limited access to eye care and education.

Contributing factors to glaucoma-related vision loss include barriers such as cost of treatment, access to care, presence of other chronic conditions, family history, and a lack of awareness about the disease and the importance of early intervention. This new data will be instrumental in shaping public health efforts to target these vulnerable populations.

“These updated estimates are invaluable as local governments work to support their aging populations,” said co-author John D. Omura, MD, a medical officer at the CDC. The study’s data were developed using the CDC’s Vision and Eye Health Surveillance System (VEHSS), which combines new and existing sources to help health professionals and policymakers understand the scope of vision loss, eye diseases, and care services across the country.

“This is the fourth set of national, state, and county-level estimates produced by the VEHSS,” noted David B. Rein, PhD, Principal Investigator of the VEHSS and Senior Fellow at NORC. "These estimates, alongside data on other conditions like age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy, broaden our understanding of the prevalence of vision loss and its causes among Americans."

Abraham Flaxman, PhD, an associate professor at IHME and leader of the study’s statistical modeling, emphasized the importance of the methodology, which was derived from the Global Burden of Disease Study.

“These estimates help track glaucoma’s impact, monitor trends, and provide actionable insights for policymakers,” he said.

Prevent Blindness offers a wide range of educational materials on glaucoma, including fact sheets and information on financial assistance programs in both English and Spanish. In collaboration with Responsum Health, Prevent Blindness also provides “The Glaucoma Community,” a digital education platform and app offering personalized newsfeeds, community chats, and tools to help patients manage their care. Program partners include the BrightFocus Foundation, The Glaucoma Foundation, Glaucoma Research Foundation, and the National Medical Association Ophthalmology Section.²

“The findings from this study underscore the growing need to allocate resources to help glaucoma patients access necessary eye care,” said Jeff Todd, president and CEO of Prevent Blindness. “It’s more important than ever to take action to prevent vision loss from the ‘Silent Thief of Sight.’”

References

1. Ehrlich JR, Burke-Conte Z, Wittenborn JS, et al. Prevalence of Glaucoma Among US Adults in 2022. JAMA Ophthalmol. Published online October 17, 2024. doi:10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2024.3884

2. New Study Finds Higher Prevalence of Glaucoma Than Previously Estimated - Prevent Blindness. Prevent Blindness. Published October 17, 2024. Accessed October 23, 2024. https://preventblindness.org/new-glaucoma-prevalence-study/