Overview

Abstract (English)

Objective
To 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.
Design
Cross-sectional survey.
Participants
2,600–4,100 participants aged 40–79 in the Canadian Health Measures Survey 2016–2019 with available information from self-report, CDR, FDT, and IOP.
Methods
Glaucoma 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.
Results
The 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.
Conclusions
Glaucoma 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.

Abstract (French)

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