Menu
  • Publish Your Research/Review Articles in our High Quality Journal for just USD $99*+Taxes( *T&C Apply)

Research Article

Epidemiology and Risk Factors of Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma: Hospital-Based Evidence and Global Perspectives (2020-2025)

Julieth Isacka Koloseni* and Stephen Nyamsaya

Corresponding Author: Julieth Isacka Koloseni, Department of Ophthalmology, Mbeya Zonal Referral Hospital P.O. Box 419, Mbeya, Tanzania.

Received: May 09, 2025 ;    Revised: May 16, 2025 ;    Accepted: May 19, 2025 ;   Available Online: May 21, 2025

Citation: Koloseni JI & Nyamsaya S. (2025) Epidemiology and Risk Factors of Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma: Hospital-Based Evidence and Global Perspectives (2020-2025). J Clin Ophthalmol Optom Res, 3(1): 1-6.

Copyrights: ©2025 Koloseni JI & Nyamsaya S. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

Share Your Publication :

Views & Citations

271

Likes & Shares

0


Global Views

  • Abstract
  • Full Text
  • Images
  • Tables
  • References
  • PDF
  • Supplementary Files

Background: Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is a major cause of irreversible blindness globally, with a disproportionately higher burden in African populations due to genetic, clinical, and socioeconomic factors. Advances in genetic profiling and systemic risk identification demand updated epidemiological data, especially in resource-limited settings like Tanzania.

Objective: To assess the prevalence, clinical characteristics, and risk factors of POAG by integrating a 2014 hospital-based study from Muhimbili National Hospital with global literature (2020–2025), to guide context-specific screening strategies.

Methodology: This study used a dual approach: a hospital-based cross-sectional analysis and a systematic literature review. Data from 876 new patients diagnosed with POAG at Muhimbili National Hospital in 2014 were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression. A PRISMA-guided review of twenty-two studies (2020–2025) from PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science provided global context, summarized through narrative synthesis. Ethical approval was secured to protect participant rights.

Result: The hospital study reported a POAG prevalence of 6.6% (95% CI: 5.0-8.5%), exceeding the 4.0% estimated African population rate. Most cases were male (67.2%), aged ≥56 years (70.7%), and bilateral. Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) (21-26 mmHg) was present in 82.8%, while 79.3% had central corneal thickness <540 μm. Myopia (68.9%), family history (55.2%), and visual field defects were common. High IOP was the strongest risk factor (OR 57.32, 95% CI: 13-252.7, p<0.001). The review confirmed the importance of IOP and thin CCT, and highlighted emerging risk factors such as polygenic risk scores (HR 1.25 per SD), myopia, and hypertension (OR 1.67).

Conclusion: Primary open-angle glaucoma poses a significant burden in African settings. Targeted screening, including IOP checks, genetic profiling, and comorbidity management, is essential. Strengthening community programs and access to diagnostics will aid early detection. Future research should focus on affordable tools and longitudinal studies to promote equitable glaucoma care.

Keywords: Primary open-angle glaucoma, Intraocular pressure, Risk factors, Tanzania, Epidemiology

Mpgyi