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Incidence and clinical characteristics of childhood glaucoma: a population-based study
Elisabeth P Aponte1, Nancy Diehl, Brian G Mohney
1Medical School, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic and Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA.
Insights
Childhood glaucoma incidence in Olmstead County, Minnesota, was 2.29 per 100,000. Acquired and secondary glaucoma were most common, while congenital and juvenile forms were rare in this pediatric population.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Ophthalmology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Childhood glaucoma is a rare but serious condition.
- Understanding its incidence and subtypes is crucial for early detection and management.
- Limited data exists on the epidemiology of childhood glaucoma in defined populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence and clinical characteristics of childhood glaucoma.
- To analyze the prevalence of different glaucoma subtypes in pediatric patients.
- To provide epidemiological data for a defined US population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of medical records for pediatric patients (<20 years).
- Study conducted in Olmstead County, Minnesota, from 1965 to 2004.
- Inclusion criteria: diagnosed glaucoma or glaucoma suspect.
Main Results:
- Overall childhood glaucoma incidence: 2.29 per 100,000 (ages <20).
- Acquired (1.46/100,000) and secondary (0.45/100,000) glaucoma were most frequent.
- Primary congenital glaucoma birth prevalence: 1.46 per 100,000.
Conclusions:
- Childhood glaucoma incidence is low but significant.
- Acquired and secondary glaucoma are more prevalent than primary congenital or juvenile forms.
- Epidemiological data supports targeted screening and resource allocation for pediatric glaucoma.
Objective:
To describe the incidence and clinical characteristics of childhood glaucoma in a defined population of the United States.
Methods:
The medical records of all pediatric patients younger than 20 years living in Olmstead County, Minnesota, from January 1, 1965, through December 31, 2004, who met diagnostic criteria for glaucoma or glaucoma suspect were reviewed.
Results:
Thirty children were diagnosed as having glaucoma during the 40-year study period. The incidence of childhood glaucoma was 2.29 (95% confidence interval, 1.47-3.12) per 100,000 residents younger than 20 years, with the following types and incidences: 19 acquired (1.46/100,000; 0.80-2.12), 6 secondary (0.45/100,000; 0.08-0.82), and 5 primary glaucoma (0.38/100,000; 0.05-0.72). The birth prevalence of primary congenital glaucoma during the 40-year period was 1 per 68 254 residents younger than 20 years or 1.46 per 100,000 (95% confidence interval, 0.03-8.16). Twenty-four individuals with glaucoma suspect were also identified, yielding an incidence of 1.9 per 100,000 residents younger than 20 years (95% confidence interval, 1.14-2.66).
Conclusion:
The incidence of childhood glaucoma in this population was 2.29 per 100,000 residents younger than 20 years or 1 per 43 575 residents younger than 20 years. Acquired and secondary forms of glaucoma were the most common, whereas congenital and juvenile glaucoma were rare.
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