Epidemiology of eye diseases in Georgia: a 15-year descriptive analysis (2007–2022)

Abstract

Background Epidemiology is a cornerstone of public health. Without epidemiological data, it is impossible to determine the origin, frequency, aetiology, and risk factors of diseases, or to inform public health programmes and preventive policies. No comprehensive epidemiological study of eye diseases in Georgia had previously been conducted.

Aim To analyse the epidemiology of eye diseases in Georgia over a 15-year period (2007–2022), stratified by region and three distinct sub-periods defined by major health-system and contextual events.

Methods Fifteen-year data from the National Centre for Disease Control and Public Health (NCDC) electronic database were analysed using MS Excel and SPSS. Crude incidence rates (per 100 000 population) were calculated for four disease categories (ICD-10 codes H00–H59, H25–H28, H40–H42, H52) across three periods: 2007–2012 (pre-universal health coverage), 2013–2019 (post-universal health coverage, pre-COVID-19), and 2020–2022 (COVID-19 pandemic).

Results Crude rates for all eye disease categories increased markedly from 2007–2012 to 2013–2019, likely reflecting improved registration following the introduction of universal health coverage. Rates declined substantially in 2020–2022, consistent with reduced healthcare utilisation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Regional variation was pronounced across all three periods and all disease categories. Tbilisi and Imereti consistently showed the highest rates in the 2013–2019 period, while regions with historically lower rates likely reflect access disparities rather than lower true disease burden.

Conclusions This is the first structured epidemiological analysis of eye disease incidence in Georgia for 2007–2022. The data are now available to researchers and clinicians. Improved access to ophthalmic services is recommended in regions with persistently low detection rates.

Keywords: eye diseases; ophthalmology; epidemiology; Georgia; glaucoma; cataract; refractive errors; crude incidence rate; NCDC; universal health coverage