Epidemiology

An estimated 64 million people have glaucoma worldwide, of whom approximately 11% have moderate-to-severe vision impairment or blindness.[2]

One systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies of glaucoma reported an annual primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) cumulative incidence of 0.05%.[3]​ Using population-based studies, global pooled prevalence of PACG has been estimated at 0.6%.[4]

PACG is more likely to be associated with blindness than open-angle glaucoma.[4][5]​​​​ An IRIS Registry (American Academy of Ophthalmology Intelligent Research in Sight) study reported that, among patients with newly diagnosed PACG (n=43,901), prevalence of any blindness and bilateral blindness were 11.5% and 1.8%, respectively.[6]​ Black and Hispanic patients were at higher risk of any blindness and bilateral blindness compared with non-Hispanic white patients.[6]

ACG usually develops in individuals older than 50 years.[1]​ Women are at increased risk of developing ACG compared with men.[4][7][8]​ The highest rates of ACG are reported in Asian and Inuit populations.[2][4]​​[9]

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