A recent meta-analysis reveals stark racial disparities in glaucoma prevalence across the United States, with Black adults bearing a disproportionate burden of the disease. The study, published in JAMA Ophthalmology, estimates that 4.22 million people in the U.S. had glaucoma in 2022, with 1.49 million experiencing vision-affecting glaucoma.
The research, led by Dr. Joshua R. Ehrlich from the University of Michigan, found that the overall prevalence of glaucoma was 1.62% among adults 18 and older, rising to 2.56% for those 40 and above. However, the most striking finding was the racial disparity: Black adults had a prevalence of 3.15%, more than double the 1.42% rate observed in white adults.
These disparities raise significant concerns about eye health equity. Dr. Ehrlich suggests that factors contributing to the higher prevalence among Black populations may include a greater incidence of other eye conditions that increase glaucoma risk, reduced access to eye care and appropriate treatments, and potential genetic factors.
The study’s findings underscore the need for targeted public health strategies. With more than half of glaucoma cases in the U.S. undiagnosed, these new estimates could help officials at national, state, and local levels plan interventions to address this silent threat to vision.
While the study provides valuable insights, it has limitations. The analysis lacked representation of people over 80 and didn’t explore urban-rural divides or delve deeply into numbers for ethnic groups other than Black adults. Additionally, recent policy changes affecting healthcare coverage may have impacted glaucoma detection and outcomes, potentially altering the current burden of the disease.
See “New Estimates Show Over 4 Million People in the U.S. Have Glaucoma” (October 17, 2024)
