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Abstract #13351 Published in IGR 8-1
Can the number of primary open angle glaucoma in Austria within 2001 to 2031 be estimated?
Hitzl W; Reitsamer HA; Grabner G; Hornykewcyz KSpektrum der Augenheilkunde 2005; 19: 290-293
PURPOSE: It is the aim of this study to estimate the number of people at the age of 40 or older with primary open angle glaucoma in Austria within 2001 to 2031. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The 'Salzburg-Moorfields Collaborative Glaucoma Study' of the University Eye Clinic Salzburg was initiated in December 1996 and is designed for at least 10 years. This study, which is supported by the federal health department, is aimed as a glaucoma screening program and offers a complete ophthalmologic examination. The findings of 3.419 probands are used to estimate detection rates of primary open angle glaucoma in three different age classes (40-54, 55-70, 70+). Together with results of the last census in Austria in 2001 and official population projections of STATISTICS AUSTRIA, estimations for the expected number of people with primary open angle glaucoma are provided for the period of 2001 to 2031. RESULTS: Due to the rapidly changing population pyramid in Austria, a considerable increase of older people has to be expected in the period from 2001 to 2031. Official population projections estimate that the proportion of people at the age of 60 or older will increase from 21% at present to 32% in 2031. The following numbers of residents with primary open angle glaucoma in Austria are expected: a) 40-54years: 20.000 (.000) in 2001 and 20.000 (.000) in 2031, i.e. only minor changes can be expected in this group; b) 55-70 years: 19.000 (.000) in 2001 and 28.500 (.500) in 2031, this corresponds to an increase of 50%; and c) people at the age of 70 or older: 34.000 (.000) in 2001 and 58.500 (.500) in 2031. This corresponds to an increase of about 72%. DISCUSSION: Current evaluations of the Salzburg-Moorfields Collaborative Glaucoma Study together with official population projections of STATISTICS AUSTRIA provide upper and lower bounds for the expected number of people with primary open angle glaucoma. These results serve as basis for health economic discussions and conclusions and may trigger further discussions in order to preserve the high quality standards of the health system in Austria, particularly with regard to the primary open angle glaucoma. LA: German
Dr. W. Hitzl, Universitätsklinik fur Ophthalmologie und Optometrie, Paracelsus Medizinische Privatuniversität, Salzburg, Austria
Classification:
14 Costing studies; pharmacoeconomics
