Race, ethnicity may impact rate of glaucoma surgery after first diagnosis of PACG

According to data from the IRIS Registry presented at the 2023 American Glaucoma Society Annual Meeting, patients with primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG) who are Black and Hispanic receive glaucoma surgery at a significantly higher rate after first diagnosis than patients who are non-Hispanic Whites and Asians.

“These disparities may be related to later disease detection and greater severity of disease in these racial and ethnic populations,” the presenters noted.

The study analyzed data from 17,604 treatment-naïve patients with a new diagnosis of PACG over a 2-year period. Overall, 6.4% of patients received glaucoma surgery, 29.49% received cataract surgery, 28.25% received laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI), and 35.87% received medications.

In a multivariable model adjusted for intraocular pressure, Black race and Hispanic ethnicity led to an increased risk of glaucoma surgery compared to non-Hispanic White race.

Male sex, military insurance (compared to PPO insurance), and a diabetic retinopathy diagnosis were other factors associated with an increased risk.

Geographically, patients in the Midwest were found to be less likely to receive glaucoma surgery than Northeast patients.

Reference
Sanvicente C. Treatment Patterns and Predictors of Glaucoma Surgery in Primary Angle Closure Glaucoma: An IRIS® Registry Analysis. Presented at: 2023 American Glaucoma Society Annual Meeting.