Análise epidemiológica das Internações por Glaucoma no Brasil, entre 2019 e 2023: Estudo Ecológico

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Glaucoma is a chronic eye disease characterized by progressive damage to the optic nerve, often associated with increased intraocular pressure. It is one of the main causes of irreversible blindness in the world, affecting millions of people. Without early diagnosis and treatment, glaucoma can lead to gradual and permanent vision loss. In Brazil, the high prevalence and inequalities in access to treatment make effective management of the disease a public health challenge. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to quantify and analyze hospitalization rates for glaucoma in Brazil. METHODOLOGY: The retrospective study with a quantitative approach used data from the SUS Hospital Information System (SIH/SUS), provided by the SUS Information Technology Department (TABNET/DATASUS). The analysis covered hospitalizations for glaucoma in Brazil from January 2019 to December 2023, using descriptive statistics and tabulation in Microsoft Excel 2016 and Microsoft Word 10 spreadsheets. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The data analyzed reveal an increasing trend in hospitalizations for glaucoma in the Brazil between 2019 and 2023, with significant growth in all regions. The Southeast Region consistently led, totaling 16,642 hospitalizations, reflecting the greater concentration of specialized health services. The North Region, despite the lower absolute number, showed notable growth, with an increase from 102 hospitalizations in 2019 to 380 in 2023, suggesting improvements in access to treatment. This overall increase highlights the growing demand for glaucoma care in the country and the need for targeted public policies to improve early detection and management of the disease.  CONCLUSION: Therefore, the analysis of hospitalizations for glaucoma between 2019 and 2023 reveals a significant increase in the burden of the disease in Brazil, especially in the last two years. Although the Southeast Region continues to lead in the number of hospitalizations, the growth in the North and Northeast regions indicates advances in the detection and treatment of glaucoma. These data underscore the urgent need to improve public health strategies to ensure equitable access to treatment and reduce regional disparities.