EPIDEMIOLOGICAL PROFILE OF HOSPITAL ADMISSIONS FOR GLAUCOMA IN THE STATE OF RIO GRANDE DO SUL (Atena Editora)

Abstract

Glaucoma is characterized by anatomical and functional changes which result in progressive loss of retinal ganglion cells and damage to the optic nerve. This optic neuropathy represents a silent threat to visual health, often triggering irreversible damage before it is even detected. Due to the impact that this disease has on both society and public health, it was considered extremely relevant to identify the epidemiological profile of hospital admissions resulting from glaucoma in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out based on data from the Department of Informatics of the Unified Health System (DATASUS). Data were collected regarding the number of deaths, sex, age group and race of patients hospitalized for glaucoma between the years 2011 and 2020. In total, 808 hospitalizations due to glaucoma were recorded in the state, with the highlight being the years of 2018 and 2019, with 176 (21.78%) and 195 (24.13%) hospitalizations.

Of these cases, 429 were female, representing 53.09% of the total. Regarding the age group, the group between 60 and 69 years old had the highest number of hospitalizations, equivalent to 27.72% of visits, while the group between 20 and 29 years old had the lowest, with less than 5% of visits. Regarding color/race, 176 records did not contain information and of the available records, the largest portion affected was Caucasian with 504 cases respectively. The findings suggest a continued need for surveillance and public health strategies to address this disease, particularly in older populations. The need for tracking the disease and carrying out more detailed studies was identified so that diagnoses can be made early so that, by monitoring the progression of the disease, a better quality of life can be guaranteed for patients.