Prevalence of glaucoma in Canada: results from the 2016–2019 Canadian Health Measures Survey

Abstract

ObjectiveTo estimate the prevalence of glaucoma in Canada based on self-reports and test data, including Frequency Doubling Technology Perimetry (FDT), optic nerve vertical cup-to-disc ratio (CDR), intraocular pressure (IOP), and use of glaucoma medications. DesignCross-sectional survey. Participants2,600–4,100 participants aged 40–79 in the Canadian Health Measures Survey 2016–2019 with available information from self-report, CDR, FDT, and IOP. MethodsGlaucoma was defined by self-reports, CDR ≥ 0.7 only, or failed FDT only. Incorporating results of CDR, FDT, IOP, and use of glaucoma medications, participants were further classified as definite glaucoma (failed FDT and CDR ≥ 0.7) or glaucoma suspects (CDR ≥ 0.7 only, failed FDT only, or IOP > 21 mmHg only, or “normal” values of FDT, CDR, and IOP but used glaucoma medications). Survey weights were used in analyses. ResultsThe glaucoma prevalence was 2.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.7%–3.3%) utilizing self-reports, 3.0% (95% CI 2.1%–3.9%) by CDR ≥ 0.7 only and 10.3% (7.8%–12.8%) with failed FDT only. Merging test data, the prevalence of definite glaucoma was 0.7% (95% CI 0.3%–1.1%) and the prevalence of suspected glaucoma was 16.3% (95% CI 13.2%–19.4%). Among the patients suspected of having glaucoma, 44.4% had ocular hypertension (OHT, mean IOP 22.8 mmHg) and 6.8% used glaucoma medications. IOP ≥28 mmHg was found in 2.4% of OHT individuals, and none used glaucoma medications.37.5% of Canadians with definite glaucoma were unaware they had glaucoma. ConclusionsGlaucoma prevalence in Canadians aged 40–79 varied between 0.7% and 10.3% depending on definition used. 16.3% of Canadians were labeled “glaucoma suspects”. Nearly 40% of Canadians with definite glaucoma were unaware of having glaucoma.