Economic impact of primary open-angle glaucoma in Australia

Abstract

Background: Glaucoma is the World's leading cause of irreversible blindness, and poses serious public health and economic concerns. Design: Review. Samples: Published randomized trials and population-based studies since 1985. Methods: We report the economic impact of primary open-angle glaucoma and model the effect of changes in detection rates and management strategies. Main Outcome Measures: The cost-effectiveness of different interventions to prevent vision loss from primary open-angle glaucoma was measured in terms of financial cost (Australian dollars) and disability-adjusted life years. Results: The prevalence of glaucoma in Australia is expected to increase from 208000 in 2005 to 3790..