Prevalence of Primary Angle Closure Glaucoma in the Last 20 Years: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review

Purpose: This meta-analysis aims to investigate the worldwide prevalence of primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) and its risk factors in the last 20 years. Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 37 population-based studies and 144,354 subjects. PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases were searched for cross-sectional or cohort studies published in the last 20 years (2000-2020) that reported the prevalence of PACG. The prevalence of PACG was analyzed according to various risk factors. A random-effects model was used for the meta-analysis. Results: The global pooled prevalence of PACG was 0.6% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.5-0.8%] for the last 20 years. The prevalence of PACG increases with age. Men are found less likely to have PACG than women (risk ratio = 0.71, 95% CI = 0.53-0.93, p < 0.01). Asia is found to have the highest prevalence of PACG (0.7%, 95% CI = 0.6-1.0%). The current estimated population with PACG is 17.14 million (95% CI = 14.28-22.85) for people older than 40 years old worldwide, with 12.30 million (95% CI = 10.54-17.57) in Asia. It is estimated that by 2050, the global population with PACG will be 26.26 million, with 18.47 million in Asia. Conclusion: PACG affects more than 17 million people worldwide, especially leading a huge burden to Asia. The prevalence of PACG varies widely across different ages, sex, and population geographic variation. Asian, female sex, and age are risk factors of PACG.

Automated summary

The global prevalence of primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) in the last 20 years was 0.6%, with a higher prevalence in Asia. The risk of PACG increases with age, and women are more likely to have PACG compared to men. Estimates show that there are currently 17.14 million people with PACG worldwide, with Asia bearing the largest burden. By 2050, the global population with PACG is projected to increase to 26.26 million.