Cost analysis of glaucoma-related-blindness in Europe

Objectives: Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness and visual impairment. Blind and visually impaired people often face challenges due to problems with mobility, reading, socialising, working, and taking care of daily needs. The aim was to estimate treatment costs, rehabilitation (community) costs and patient costs associated with glaucoma related blindness in Europe. Methods: Initially, a systematic literature review was performed. Secondly, a search among European glaucoma or blindness organisations was undertaken. Finally, a cost analysis was conducted covering Denmark, Germany, Italy, England, Ireland, France and Spain. Results: Glaucoma blindness accounts for 13% of all blindness. The annual direct treatment cost for late-stage glaucoma ranged from o429 to o523. Rehabilitation costs ranged from o3859 to o8448 showing differences between countries. Cost for patient and family ranged from o7436 to o10,200. The annual total cost per patient was then between o11,758 and o19,111. However, while literature on the disease and treatment is extensive, no substantial information on the costs of going blind from glaucoma was found. Conclusions: The analysis has shown that blindness related glaucoma has a wide impact on the European societies in terms of costs. However, further research is needed. D 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.