Prevalencia de glaucoma primario de ángulo abierto en personal militar activo y pasivo atendido en el Hospital Naval Sur de Guayaquil durante el período 2019-2024.

Abstract

As global demographics change, age-related conditions such as primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) are becoming increasingly common, with significant implications for vision loss and blindness. This study explored the prevalence and main risk factors for POAG among active and retired military personnel treated at the Hospital Naval Sur in Guayaquil between 2019 and 2024. Through a retrospective, cross-sectional study, the medical records and diagnostic data of 3,015 individuals were reviewed, of whom 1,401 cases of POAG were found (46.67% prevalence). The most frequent risk factor is ocular hypertension (70%), in contrast to work stress, which accounted for 36%. An association was determined between the progression of POAG and ocular hypertension, advanced age, and hereditary predisposition. This highlights the need to develop strategies for specialized detection and treatment within the military health care system to reduce the incidence of glaucoma and preserve the visual function of the vulnerable population.