Analysis of glaucoma prevalence in the Volga federal district using the Orenburg region as an example for 2013–2024

Aim – to study the prevalence and structure of glaucoma pathology using the example of the Orenburg region in 2013-2024.

Material and methods. Statistical data on glaucoma pathology in the population of the Orenburg region, the Volga Federal District (VFD) and Russia for 2013-2024 were analyzed. Statistical data on morbidity in the Orenburg region, the Volga Federal District and Russia were obtained with the assistance of the State budget-funded healthcare institution “Medical Information and Analytical Center”. Data on the structure and dispensary supervision are calculated according to the federal statistical observation form No. 12 “Information on the number of diseases registered in patients living in the service area of the medical organization” (“Form No. 12”) and based on data from the Territorial Fund of Compulsory Medical Insurance for the Orenburg Region (hereinafter referred to as TF Compulsory Medical Insurance). The data is presented in the form of absolute and relative indicators (%). The statistical analysis was carried out using Microsoft Excel 2016 software.

Results. Glaucoma ranks 4th (6.9%) in the structure of general ophthalmological pathology in the Orenburg region in 2013-2024, following refractive disorders (46.4%), cataracts (20%) and conjunctivitis (11.1%). The overall incidence of glaucoma does not have a clear pattern; however, an increase of 3.41% was noted during the study period. Primary morbidity decreased dramatically during the study period (by 54.1%). The Covid-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the indicators for 2020-2021. By 2024, there was a positive trend in primary morbidity, but the indicators are significantly lower than the national ones. In the post-Covid period, the primary incidence among the working-age population continues to decrease, which indicates the problems of early detection of glaucoma. The work of ophthalmologists in the dispensary registration of patients with glaucoma is characterized by positive dynamics. By 2024, patient follow-up coverage has reached a decent level, equal to the national indicators - 80.8%. The detection of glaucoma patients during preventive examinations over the years under study remains at an extremely low level.