Glaucoma in Older Asians Aged 60 to 100 Years: Prevalence, Factors, Trends, and Projections (2024-2040).

PURPOSE

To determine the prevalence, factors, temporal trends, and projections of glaucoma over 15 years among multiethnic older Asian adults aged 60 to 100 years.

METHODS

We included 2380 participants (mean [SD] age, 73.6 [8.5] years; 55.2% female) from the baseline phase of the Population Health and Eye Disease Profile in Elderly Singaporeans (PIONEER; 2017-2022) study. Comprehensive eye examinations and standardized questionnaires assessed sociodemographic, clinical, and lifestyle factors. Glaucoma and subtypes were defined using International Society of Geographical and Epidemiological Ophthalmology guidelines, with age-standardized prevalence rates based on the 2020 Singapore census. Logistic regression using generalized estimating equations identified risk factors, temporal trends were analyzed using population-based data, and projections utilized United Nations population data.

RESULTS

The census-adjusted glaucoma prevalence was 5.1%, comprising 3.4% primary open-angle glaucoma, 0.7% primary angle-closure glaucoma, and 1% secondary glaucoma. Prevalence was higher among Malays (6.5%) and Indians (6.2%) compared to Chinese (4.9%). Significant factors included older age (odds ratio [OR], 1.07), Malay ethnicity (OR, 2.07), higher intraocular pressure (OR, 1.14), longer axial length (OR, 1.20), cataract surgery (OR, 1.81), and polypharmacy (OR, 2.04). Over two decades, age-adjusted glaucoma prevalence in Singapore remained stable (5%-7%) but increased among Indians (3.65% in 2013 to 6.70% in 2022), likely due to the high rates of systemic diseases. Currently, ∼57,800 Singaporeans aged ≥60 years have glaucoma, projected to rise by 43%, reaching 85,800 by 2040.

CONCLUSIONS

Glaucoma is common among older Singaporeans, with notable sociodemographic and modifiable clinical factors. Rising prevalence among Indians and the projected increase in cases underscore the need for targeted screening and early interventions.