O IMPACTO DO GLAUCOMA NA SAÚDE PÚBLICA: ANÁLISE EPIDEMIOLÓGICA (2014-2024)

Abstract

Introduction: Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible vision loss worldwide. It is a disease that causes progressive and irreversible optic neuropathy associated with characteristic defects in the visual field and structural changes. This disease leads to decreased visual acuity and a consequent decline in the quality of life of patients. Therefore, identifying risk factors and the disease in its early stages and prompt and appropriate referral to specialized care is essential for better therapeutic results and prognosis of cases. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the epidemiological profile of glaucoma in Brazil, identifying the prevalence and relevance of early diagnosis, aiming to contribute to prevention strategies and adequate management of the disease. Methodology: This is an epidemiological, retrospective study with a quantitative and retrospective approach, with data regarding the prevalence and impacts of hospitalizations in the period from 2014 to 2024, in the five Brazilian regions. Results: Of the 60,903 hospitalizations analyzed, the highest concentration occurred in the Southeast region (47%), while regarding gender, there is a predominance of hospitalizations among men (52%) in relation to women (47%). Therefore, among the number of hospitalizations, cases of elderly patients prevail, mainly between 60 and 69 years old. Regarding color/race, most hospitalizations were among brown people (20,146 cases), followed by white people (18,926 cases). Finally, 2023 was the year that recorded the highest number of hospitalizations (9,149), followed by 2022 (7,743 cases). Conclusion: To prevent glaucoma, it is essential that patients know about the disease and have adequate care for early diagnosis, bringing the population closer to the ophthalmologist. Therefore, to reduce the rate of blindness due to this pathology, the literature suggests a strategy to be developed with the aim of encouraging early diagnosis of the disease in the community, including recognition of the scale of the problem, facilitating access to primary care and educating the population about glaucoma, its risk factors, treatment and consequences. Therefore, it highlights the importance of exposing this topic more frequently, seeking to instigate the academic and scientific community to improve knowledge about this problem and achieve an effective result by helping the population to prevent and treat glaucoma.