Study of the Prevalence of Glaucoma in Kazakhstan

Abstract

Background Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of permanent visual disability around the world. However, the available literature lacks data on the prevalence of glaucoma in Central Asia, particularly in the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Objective The study was aimed at assessing the prevalence of glaucoma in the population of the Republic of Kazakhstan over 40 years old in 2019.

Methods A retrospective study was based on the analysis of the results of glaucoma screenings in 171 832 patients over 40 years old living in Kazakhstan (in 14 counties). Glaucoma cases were confirmed by Goldmann tonometry, fundus photography, and visual field testing. Demographic indicators, territorial differences, and hereditary predisposition were studied and analysed. In addition, blood pressure was measured.

Results Of 171 832 patients examined, 452 with verified glaucoma were identified. The average age of the patients was 63.9 ± 9.4. In rural areas, the prevalence of glaucoma was higher compared to the urban population. The overall prevalence of glaucoma among people over 40 years old was 2.37 ± 0.17. The prevalence of glaucoma among women was higher than for men, with an indicator of 1.91 (95% CI relative risk 1.78 – 2.03) (p < 0.05). The highest prevalence was found in the 71 – 75 age group [equals to 14.2% (95% CI 11.7 – 19.9)], with a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05). The highest prevalence of glaucoma was observed in the group of people with a hereditary predisposition, with an indicator of 14.7% (95% CI 0.6 – 1.9) (p < 0.05). Among all patients with concomitant arterial hypertension (n = 90, 19.9%), women (60%) compared with men (40%) had a 2.4% higher risk of glaucoma morbidity (95% CI 1.2% − 3.8%).

Conclusion This study provides updated information on the prevalence of glaucoma in Kazakhstan. The results obtained confirm that the increase in the prevalence of glaucoma in Kazakhstan is directly proportional to the increase in the patientsʼ age. These results showed the importance of screening for a timely diagnosis, especially for patients with high risk factors such as hereditary predisposition. Moreover, the results indicate that the early detection of systemic hypertension and increased intraocular pressure can be used for the prevention of undesirable outcomes such as an irreversible blindness.

Zusammenfassung

Hintergrund Das Glaukom ist weltweit eine der Hauptursachen für dauerhafte Sehbehinderungen. In der verfügbaren Literatur fehlen jedoch Daten zur Prävalenz des Glaukoms in Zentralasien, insbesondere in der Republik Kasachstan.

Ziel Ziel der Studie war es, die Prävalenz des Glaukoms in der Bevölkerung der Republik Kasachstan im Jahr 2019 über 40 Jahre zu bewerten.

Methoden Eine retrospektive Studie basierte auf der Analyse der Ergebnisse des Glaukomscreenings bei 171 832 Patienten über 40 Jahre, die in Kasachstan (in 14 Landkreisen) lebten. Glaukomfälle wurden durch Goldmann-Tonometrie, Fundusfotografie und Gesichtsfeldtests bestätigt. Demografische Indikatoren, territoriale Unterschiede und erbliche Veranlagung wurden untersucht und analysiert. Zusätzlich wurde auch der Blutdruck gemessen.

Ergebnisse 452 Patienten mit verifiziertem Glaukom wurden identifiziert (von den 171 832 untersuchten). Das Durchschnittsalter der Patienten betrug 63,9 ± 9,4 Jahre. In ländlichen Gebieten war die Prävalenz des Glaukoms im Vergleich zur städtischen Bevölkerung höher. Die Gesamtprävalenz des Glaukoms bei Menschen über 40 Jahren betrug 2,37 ± 0,17. Die Prävalenz des Glaukoms bei Frauen war höher als bei Männern mit einem Indikator von 1,91 (95%-KI relatives Risiko 1,78 – 2,03) (p < 0,05). Die höchste Prävalenz wurde in der Altersgruppe 71 – 75 festgestellt (entspricht 14,2% [95%-KI 11,7 – 19,9]), mit einem statistisch signifikanten Unterschied (p < 0,05). Die höchste Prävalenz des Glaukoms wurde in der Gruppe der Personen mit einer erblichen Veranlagung mit einem Indikator von 14,7% (95%-KI 0,6 – 1,9) beobachtet (p < 0,05). Unter allen Patienten mit gleichzeitiger arterieller Hypertonie (n = 90, 19,9%) hatten Frauen (60%) im Vergleich zu Männern (40%) ein um 2,4% höheres Risiko für eine Glaukommorbidität (95%-KI 1,2 – 3,8%).

Schlussfolgerung Diese Studie liefert aktualisierte Informationen zur Prävalenz des Glaukoms in Kasachstan. Die erhaltenen Ergebnisse bestätigen, dass der Anstieg der Glaukomprävalenz in Kasachstan direkt proportional zum Anstieg des Alters des Patienten ist. Diese Ergebnisse zeigten, wie wichtig das Screening für die rechtzeitige Diagnose ist, insbesondere bei Patienten mit hohen Risikofaktoren wie erblicher Veranlagung. Darüber hinaus zeigten die Ergebnisse, dass die Früherkennung von systemischer Hypertonie und erhöhtem Augeninnendruck zur Vorbeugung unerwünschter Ergebnisse wie einer irreversiblen Blindheit verwendet werden kann.

Key words

epidemiology - glaucoma - prevalence - screening

Schlüsselwörter

Epidemiologie - Häufigkeit - Glaukom - Screening

Publication History

Received: 25 September 2020

Accepted: 26 October 2020

Article published online:
14 April 2021

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