2021 global burden of disease study: a comprehensive analysis of glaucoma in the middle-aged and older adult population at global, regional, and national levels

As one of the leading causes of blindness among middle-aged and older adults worldwide, glaucoma remains a significant public health concern. Although the absolute number of cases in individuals aged 45 years and above continues to rise due to population growth and aging, both the ASPR and ASDR have shown declining trends. This decline reflects meaningful progress in the prevention, diagnosis, and management of the disease. To address the ongoing increase in case numbers, targeted policy interventions are needed to ensure effective prevention and management strategies, contributing to the achievement of global sustainable development goals. Furthermore, frontier analysis identifying disparities between national development levels and the burden of glaucoma in the older adult population can aid in optimizing the allocation of global health resources.