COVID-19 Pandemic Impact

The COVID-19 pandemic period produced the most pronounced deceleration in glaucoma burden growth across the entire 1990–2021 study window. The annual percentage change in age-standardised prevalence rate reached −2.32 during 2019–2021, the steepest single-segment decline identified by Joinpoint regression. The pandemic deceleration likely reflects excess elderly mortality, temporary suspension of non-emergency ophthalmic services, and delayed case presentations rather than true disease reduction. Post-pandemic diagnostic catch-up could transiently inflate recorded incidence rates, requiring continuous monitoring. The authors recommend integrating remote IOP monitoring and chronic eye disease management into public health emergency preparedness plans to prevent service disruption during future crises.