Glaucoma prevalence and treatment in sub-Saharan Africa’s elderly population: a scoping review
Abstract Background Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of visual impairment and blindness globally, mainly affecting older adults. Disproportionately affecting people of African descent, its high prevalence, combined with the region’s limited healthcare infrastructure and access to eye care servi...
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BMC
2025-04-01
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| Series: | BMC Geriatrics |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-025-05901-0 |
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| author | Jacob Owusu Sarfo Prince Mordi Esi Kyirba Aggrey Adjoa Safoa Panyin Quaicoe Priscilla Yeye Adumoah Attafuah |
| author_facet | Jacob Owusu Sarfo Prince Mordi Esi Kyirba Aggrey Adjoa Safoa Panyin Quaicoe Priscilla Yeye Adumoah Attafuah |
| author_sort | Jacob Owusu Sarfo |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of visual impairment and blindness globally, mainly affecting older adults. Disproportionately affecting people of African descent, its high prevalence, combined with the region’s limited healthcare infrastructure and access to eye care services, make it a major public health challenge deserving attention in sub-Saharan Africa. Objective This paper aims to synthesise current literature on glaucoma prevalence and management options among older adults in sub-Saharan Africa. Materials and methods A systematic search was conducted using databases including PubMed, Scopus, Medline, and Google Scholar. Following inclusion criteria and study objectives, five published articles from 2013 to 2022 were included in this scoping review. Results We found that, generally, across various studies reviewed, the prevalence of glaucoma among adults aged 60 and above was high. Glaucoma prevalence increases with age. Current management options were pharmacotherapy, surgery and laser, with pharmacotherapy most often the first line. Although initially cheaper, the other options are practical and cost-effective over time. Conclusion This scoping review adds to evidence that with the growing population, glaucoma continues to be a public health issue since glaucoma has a high prevalence among older adults, particularly in SSA. With most of the sub-Saharan population’s high prevalence and low-income levels, ideal management must include early screening and detection and reliable and long-term treatment options that are not particularly dependent on patient compliance and adherence. Evidence-based policies are needed to reduce the prevalence of glaucoma-related visual impairment for older adults across sub-Saharan Africa. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-4e9400007c9c4b5ba8af3a032d268ba9 |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 1471-2318 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-04-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | BMC Geriatrics |
| spelling | doaj-art-4e9400007c9c4b5ba8af3a032d268ba92025-08-20T02:17:49ZengBMCBMC Geriatrics1471-23182025-04-0125111210.1186/s12877-025-05901-0Glaucoma prevalence and treatment in sub-Saharan Africa’s elderly population: a scoping reviewJacob Owusu Sarfo0Prince Mordi1Esi Kyirba Aggrey2Adjoa Safoa Panyin Quaicoe3Priscilla Yeye Adumoah Attafuah4Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, University of Cape CoastCentre for Behaviour and Wellness AdvocacyCentre for Behaviour and Wellness AdvocacyEmmanuel Eye Medical CentrePublic Health Nursing Department, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of GhanaAbstract Background Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of visual impairment and blindness globally, mainly affecting older adults. Disproportionately affecting people of African descent, its high prevalence, combined with the region’s limited healthcare infrastructure and access to eye care services, make it a major public health challenge deserving attention in sub-Saharan Africa. Objective This paper aims to synthesise current literature on glaucoma prevalence and management options among older adults in sub-Saharan Africa. Materials and methods A systematic search was conducted using databases including PubMed, Scopus, Medline, and Google Scholar. Following inclusion criteria and study objectives, five published articles from 2013 to 2022 were included in this scoping review. Results We found that, generally, across various studies reviewed, the prevalence of glaucoma among adults aged 60 and above was high. Glaucoma prevalence increases with age. Current management options were pharmacotherapy, surgery and laser, with pharmacotherapy most often the first line. Although initially cheaper, the other options are practical and cost-effective over time. Conclusion This scoping review adds to evidence that with the growing population, glaucoma continues to be a public health issue since glaucoma has a high prevalence among older adults, particularly in SSA. With most of the sub-Saharan population’s high prevalence and low-income levels, ideal management must include early screening and detection and reliable and long-term treatment options that are not particularly dependent on patient compliance and adherence. Evidence-based policies are needed to reduce the prevalence of glaucoma-related visual impairment for older adults across sub-Saharan Africa.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-025-05901-0GlaucomaPrevalenceManagementSub-Saharan AfricaScoping review |
| spellingShingle | Jacob Owusu Sarfo Prince Mordi Esi Kyirba Aggrey Adjoa Safoa Panyin Quaicoe Priscilla Yeye Adumoah Attafuah Glaucoma prevalence and treatment in sub-Saharan Africa’s elderly population: a scoping review BMC Geriatrics Glaucoma Prevalence Management Sub-Saharan Africa Scoping review |
| title | Glaucoma prevalence and treatment in sub-Saharan Africa’s elderly population: a scoping review |
| title_full | Glaucoma prevalence and treatment in sub-Saharan Africa’s elderly population: a scoping review |
| title_fullStr | Glaucoma prevalence and treatment in sub-Saharan Africa’s elderly population: a scoping review |
| title_full_unstemmed | Glaucoma prevalence and treatment in sub-Saharan Africa’s elderly population: a scoping review |
| title_short | Glaucoma prevalence and treatment in sub-Saharan Africa’s elderly population: a scoping review |
| title_sort | glaucoma prevalence and treatment in sub saharan africa s elderly population a scoping review |
| topic | Glaucoma Prevalence Management Sub-Saharan Africa Scoping review |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-025-05901-0 |
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