Study: Glaucoma Monitoring Lags in Low-Income and Rural Areas

A new Northwestern University study suggests that race, income and where patients live play a major role in the level of care glaucoma patients receive. Researchers found that Black, Hispanic and Asian American patients, as well as those from rural and economically distressed communities, are significantly less likely to receive optic nerve evaluations compared to white and urban patients.

The study found that only 57% of glaucoma patients across all demographics received an optic nerve exam within 3 years following a glaucoma diagnosis. The scientists found that the odds of receiving the recommended optic nerve follow-up exam were 56% lower for patients living in isolated rural communities compared to urban areas, 17% lower for Black patients compared with White patients, and 9% lower for patients residing in more impoverished communities.

Read the full Northwestern University here.