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Review
. 2001 Nov;85(11):1277-82.
doi: 10.1136/bjo.85.11.1277.

Glaucoma in China: how big is the problem?

Affiliations
Review

Glaucoma in China: how big is the problem?

P J Foster et al. Br J Ophthalmol. 2001 Nov.

Abstract

Aims: To derive preliminary estimates for the number of adults in China suffering from glaucoma, and project the burden of visual morbidity attributable to primary and secondary glaucoma.

Methods: Age and sex specific data from two population surveys were applied to US Census Bureau population estimates for urban and rural China. It was assumed that data from Singapore were representative of urban China, and those from Mongolia were representative of rural China.

Results: It was estimated that 9.4 million people aged 40 years and older in China have glaucomatous optic neuropathy. Of this number, 5.2 million (55%) are blind in at least one eye and 1.7 million (18.1%) are blind in both eyes. Primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG) is responsible for the vast majority (91%) of bilateral glaucoma blindness in China. The number of people with the anatomical trait predisposing to PACG (an "occludable" drainage angle) is in the region of 28.2 million, and of these 9.1 million have significant angle closure, indicated by peripheral anterior synechiae or raised intraocular pressure.

Conclusions: This extrapolation of data from two east Asian countries gives an approximate number of people in China suffering from glaucoma. It is unlikely that this crude statistical model is entirely accurate. However, the authors believe the visual morbidity from glaucoma in China is considerable. PACG is probably the leading cause of glaucoma blindness in both eyes, and warrants detailed investigation of strategies for prevention.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Angle closure glaucoma in China.

Comment in

References

    1. Br J Ophthalmol. 2000 Feb;84(2):186-92 - PubMed
    1. Arch Ophthalmol. 2000 Feb;118(2):257-63 - PubMed
    1. Arch Ophthalmol. 2000 Aug;118(8):1105-11 - PubMed
    1. Br J Ophthalmol. 2000 Nov;84(11):1255-9 - PubMed
    1. Br J Ophthalmol. 2001 Mar;85(3):261-6 - PubMed

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