Primary open-angle glaucoma cases to grow to 10 million by 2033

Japan has a significantly greater risk of normal tension glaucoma. 

Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) cases are forecasted to increase to 10 million by 2033 with an annual growth rate of 1%, according to a GlobalData report. 

The report said the increase is due to increased disease awareness and improved diagnostic testing across the seven major markets (7MM) including the United States, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, and Japan. 

Japan has a significantly greater risk of normal tension glaucoma (NTG) with epidemiologists anticipating that 91% of all POAG cases in the country will be NTG. 

“More research is needed to understand why Japanese populations are at an increased risk for NTG. Understanding the risk factors that increase susceptibility could help inform prevention strategies and disease outcomes,” said Anna Moody, senior epidemiologist at GlobalData.

GlobalData epidemiologists also found that the prevalence of glaucoma increases as a person ages. In the 7MM, it is expected to be lowest from 40 to 49 years (0.1%), and highest in 80 to 84 years (2.5%). 

“As the population of elderly people increases across the 7MM, more regular eye testing should be encouraged in individuals over 40 years to ensure prompt diagnosis of glaucoma,” Moody said.