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The probability of blindness from open-angle glaucoma
M G Hattenhauer1, D H Johnson, H H Ing
1Department of Ophthalmology, Mayo Clinic and Mayo Foundation, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA.
Ophthalmology
|November 18, 1998
Summary
The risk of developing legal blindness from open-angle glaucoma (OAG) is considerable, with a 27% chance of blindness in one eye and 9% in both eyes after 20 years. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing OAG and preventing vision loss.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Public Health
Background:
- Open-angle glaucoma (OAG) is a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide.
- Understanding the long-term risk of legal blindness associated with OAG is crucial for patient management and public health strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the cumulative probability of developing legal blindness in one or both eyes in patients newly diagnosed with and treated for open-angle glaucoma (OAG).
Main Methods:
- Retrospective, community-based descriptive study.
- Kaplan-Meier cumulative probability estimation.
- Inclusion of 295 Olmsted County residents diagnosed with OAG between 1965 and 1980, with a mean follow-up of 15 years.
Main Results:
- At 20-year follow-up, the estimated cumulative probability of glaucoma-related legal blindness in at least one eye was 27% (95% CI, 20%-33%).
- The estimated cumulative probability of legal blindness in both eyes was 9% (95% CI, 5%-14%).
- 15 patients were already blind in at least one eye at the time of OAG diagnosis.
Conclusions:
- The risk of blindness from newly diagnosed and treated open-angle glaucoma (OAG) is substantial.
- These findings highlight the importance of timely diagnosis and effective management of OAG to mitigate vision loss.