Gender Differences in Numbers of Primary Open Angle Glaucoma Cases in the United States

Abstract

Purpose: : To determine the estimated number of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) cases in the United States by age, gender and race/ethnicity.

Methods: : The prevalence rates of POAG reported in population-based studies were used to calculate the number of projected persons with POAG in the U.S. The Eye Diseases Prevalence Research Group, The Los Angeles Latino Eye Study (LALES), and a population-based study in Guangzhou of China, were selected as representations for the US White/Black, Hispanic and Asian populations, respectively. For the distribution of POAG cases, the gender-, age-, race/ethnicity- specific prevalence rates were then applied to the 2010 US population estimates.

Results: : For the US populations aged 40 and older, approximately 1.44 million men and 1.84 million women are projected to be affected by POAG in 2010. The estimates in men are comprised of 51% in White, 16% in Black, 25% in Hispanics and 7% in Asians. In addition, the estimates in women are comprised of 62% in White, 16% in Black, 19% in Hispanics and 3% in Asians. By race/ethnicity, the overall estimate is 56% and 26% higher in White and Black women, respectively. In contrast, the overall estimate is lower in Hispanic and Asian women (4% and 52%, respectively). For all race/ethnicity combined, the estimate in men peaks at 6^th decade and then it starts descending slightly. In contrast, the estimate in women continues to escalate from the 4^th decade steadily to the 7^th decade. After the 7^th decade, the estimate in women increases exponentially. In addition, the highest overall estimate is within the 8^th decade and older (85% higher in women; 605,089 women vs 326,598 men). Similarly, for POAG individuals who are eligible for Medicare (aged 65 or older), the projected number is 1.98 million in 2010 (37% higher in women; 1.14 million women vs 835,215 men).

Conclusions: : Women outnumber men for POAG cases in the US. Based on our projected estimates, the disproportion appears highest in elderly women, especially in the 8^th decade and older. This likely reflects longevity in women compared to their men counterpart. Understanding the gender differences in the numbers and distribution of POAG cases will lead to better allocation and use of resources. It will also further stimulate the investigation of gender differences in glaucoma.

Keywords: clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: prevalence/incidence