Medicina, Vol. 47 No. 3, 2011.
Izvorni znanstveni članak
Glaucoma as a public health problem
Goran Pelčić
; Klinika za oftalmologiju, KBC Rijeka, Rijeka
Sažetak
Aim: Glaucoma is the second most common cause of blindness and a major public health problem worldwide. The aim of this study was to examine the incidence of glaucoma
in the Primorsko-Goranska County (PGC) and to increase awareness of the medical community about this problem. We also emphasize the importance of prevention and regular controls of patients with risk factors. Methods: This paper analyzes data about hospital morbidity and number of glaucoma patients treated in specialist-consultative institutions in the PGC. The data were published in the Health-statistic annals of PGC and on the web site of the Teaching Institute of Public Health, PGC. The data obtained are shown in absolute and percentage values. Results: The analysis of hospital morbidity and number of glaucoma patients treated in the specialist-consultative institutions of the PGC, showed a higher incidence of patients’ age between 20 and 64 years, in the period from 2000. to 2005., while in the period from 2006. to 2009., more prevalent age is 65 years and older. The percentage of glaucoma patients in the total number of ophthalmic
patients (age 20-64 years) is 5 to 15 %, while the proportion of patients older than 65 years is more than 20 %. Discussion and Conclusions: The number of glaucoma treated patients in the PGC in the period examined is about 8 000 – 10 000 per year. According
to facts that even in developed countries more than half of patients suffering from glaucoma are not aware of their disease, we can assume that in PGC also the considerable
number of glaucoma patients are not diagnosed. In addition, continuous and intensive training of physicians and patients to reduce incidence of disease and subsequent
complications is required.
Ključne riječi
age; glaucoma; Primorsko-goranska County
Hrčak ID:
71760
URI
Datum izdavanja:
5.9.2011.
Posjeta: 3.701 *