Colombian ocular diseases epidemiology study (CODES): glaucoma incidence and sociodemographic characterisation 2015–2020

ABSTRACT

Clinical relevance

Glaucoma encompasses a group of eye diseases that progressively damage the optic nerve, leading to vision loss and blindness. Understanding the incidence and demographic distribution is vital for public health planning and patient care.

Background

Previous small-scale studies in Colombia have reported the prevalence of glaucoma in individuals over 40 years between 1.1% and 5.29%. These data may not fully capture the true extent of the disease. Furthermore, with the ageing population, the incidence of glaucoma is likely to increase, highlighting the need for up-to-date incidence data to guide healthcare planning.

Methods

Data were obtained from the Social Protection Information System, the primary health record repository of Colombia, using the International Classification of Disease 10 for glaucoma. Crude incidence rates were calculated and adjusted for sex, age, and gender. The 2020 incidence was compared with estimated rates from previous years to assess the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 lockdown. A standardised morbidity map was created to show regional variations.

Results

The average incidence of glaucoma in Colombia was 17.36 per 1,000 inhabitants, increasing from 12.29 in 2015 to 24.22 in 2019. Of the 212,700 reported cases, 60.75% were females. Primary open-angle glaucoma was the most prevalent type, with significant incidence in the elderly over 70 years of age, irrespective of sex. Bogotá, Antioquia, and Valle del Cauca had the highest numbers of new cases.

Conclusion

The increasing incidence of glaucoma and its demographic and geographical variations necessitate the awareness of ophthalmologists and optometrists. This study emphasises the need for continuous monitoring, effective interventions, and developing healthcare strategies to address the escalating challenge of glaucoma in Colombia.

KEYWORDS:

• Columbia
• glaucoma
• incidence
• sociodemographics

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Authors contributions

All authors attest that they meet the current ICMJE criteria for Authorship.

Supplementary material

Supplemental data for this article can be accessed online at https://doi.org/10.1080/08164622.2024.2377386

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.