Glaucoma is a common cause of preventable loss of vision
October 31, 2024
Source: Ehrlich, et al JAMA Ophthalmology October 17, 2024
Researchers in JAMA Ophthalmology combined data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination survey and Medicare and commercial medical claims data to estimate the prevalence of glaucoma (damage to the optic nerve, often due to increased pressure inside the eye). They found that 1.6% of the adult population had glaucoma (3.2% in Black adults and 1.4% among White adults), and 0.6% of the adult population had glaucoma that had affected their vision.
While glaucoma is dramatically more common in the elderly, about one in 40 Black people (and one in 80 White people) have glaucoma at age 60. Glaucoma is generally treated effectively with prescription eye drops, although sometimes treatment requires laser surgery. Untreated glaucoma can lead to eye pain and progressive, irreversible vision loss. Those with diabetes or hypertension are at higher risk of glaucoma.
Glaucoma is most often diagnosed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist who measures eye pressure after applying a numbing drop. Advanced imaging technology, including special cameras that capture detailed images of the retina, can now use artificial intelligence to detect glaucoma. This technology has the potential to diagnose and treat more individuals, helping to prevent vision loss.
Implications for employers:
Monitor the level of annual eye examinations in patients with diabetes. This is one of the diabetes quality metrics that is often low, and some health plans may choose not to report this result.
Be sure that employees have access to health coverage that includes periodic eye examinations to screen for glaucoma.
Here’s an image of a conference room as seen by someone with glaucoma related visual loss (Source: Dall-E)
