Do eye diseases increase the risk of arthritis in the elderly population?

Abstract

There are very few longitudinal studies which have previously conducted an investigation into whether eye diseases are a risk for arthritis, and how this occurs. The study employed a variety of machine-learning algorithms, including random forest for investigating the risks, and to elucidate these underlying mechanisms by focusing on five aspects containing 389 characterized variables (mental health and wellbeing; physical health; disability, functional impairment and helpers; health behavior; and health measures). The study population included 8,423 individuals. Cataracts, glaucoma, and other eye diseases increase the likelihood of arthritis after two years by 131.8% (odds ratio (OR)=2.318, 95% confidence interval: 1.748 to 3.038), 123.1% (OR=2.231, 1.306 to 3.626), and 91.1% (OR=1.911, 1.501 to 2.415). Random forest corroborated that cataract contributes the most to arthritis risks after two years, followed by other eye diseases and glaucoma (mean Gini-index: 5.20, 2.11, 1.31). It is of note that the potential mechanisms of cataract-induced arthritis risk were elucidated extensively. The control domains of life quality, negative aging self-perceptions, mobility (steadiness, physical limitations, and muscle strength) and memory impairments, and sleep quality mediated the relationship between cataracts and arthritis significantly. Furthermore, different eye diseases affected osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other arthritis to varying degrees. Eye diseases increased the risk of arthritis, whereby cataracts were the most significant. Interventions which target these discovered mechanisms may be the preferred levers for reducing cataract-related arthritis risk.