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Prevalence of glaucoma. The Beaver Dam Eye Study
B E Klein1, R Klein, W E Sponsel
1Department of Ophthalmology, University of Wisconsin, Madison 53792.
Ophthalmology
|October 1, 1992
Summary
The Beaver Dam Eye Study found that 2.1% of participants had open-angle glaucoma, with prevalence increasing with age. This highlights the importance of using multiple risk indicators for accurate glaucoma diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide.
- Accurate prevalence data is crucial for public health planning and resource allocation.
- The Beaver Dam Eye Study provides a valuable dataset for understanding eye diseases in a defined population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of open-angle glaucoma in the Beaver Dam Eye Study cohort.
- To analyze glaucoma prevalence across different age groups and sexes.
- To identify key indicators for diagnosing open-angle glaucoma.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive eye examinations including applanation tonometry, anterior chamber assessment, and perimetry.
- Fundus photography for optic disc evaluation.
- Standardized criteria for defining open-angle glaucoma based on visual field, cup-to-disc ratio, and intraocular pressure (IOP).
Main Results:
- The overall prevalence of definite open-angle glaucoma was 2.1%.
- Glaucoma prevalence significantly increased with age, from 0.9% in those 43-54 years old to 4.7% in those 75 years or older.
- No significant sex-based difference in prevalence was observed after adjusting for age.
Conclusions:
- The prevalence of open-angle glaucoma in Beaver Dam is comparable to other white populations.
- Estimating glaucoma prevalence requires a multifactorial approach, considering various risk indicators.
- Early detection and management strategies should account for age-related increases in glaucoma risk.