Incident Glaucoma Research Articles

Abstract P188: Blood Pressure Control And Glaucoma Risk In Older Women

Objective: Individuals with elevated systolic blood pressure (BP) or low diastolic BP, whether or not on antihypertensive treatment, may be at higher risk for developing glaucoma. We aimed to investigate BP levels in relation to risk of incident glaucoma in a large cohort of elderly women. Methods: Prospective follow-up of 101,447 postmenopausal women without prior history of glaucoma enrolled in the Women’s Health Initiative Study (WHI). Blood pressure was measured in-clinic at baseline and after 3 years using standardized procedures and average BP was calculated. Antihypertensive medication use was determined by drug inventory at baseline and year 3. Women self-reported incident newly diagnosed glaucoma annually. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were estimated using Cox proportional hazards analyses adjusting for demographic, medical history, and lifestyle covariates. Results: During a mean follow-up of 4.7 years, we documented 7,514 glaucoma cases. Among women not on antihypertensive treatment, those with systolic BP ≥140 mmHg or diastolic BP ≥80 mmHg were not at higher risk of developing glaucoma (HR 0.97, 95% CI 0.88-1.08 and HR 1.00 [0.93-1.08], respectively), compared to women with a systolic BP <120 mmHg or a diastolic BP 60-<80 mmHg. Among women on antihypertensive treatment, neither systolic BP ≥140 mmHg nor diastolic BP ≥80 mmHg was associated with an increased risk of glaucoma (HR 0.91 [0.82-1.01] and HR 0.97 [0.90-1.05], respectively). A diastolic BP <60 mmHg was not associated with a higher risk compared to a diastolic BP 60-<80 mmHg. Conclusions: BP control is not associated with an increased or decreased glaucoma risk in elderly women.

Irritable bowel syndrome and risk of glaucoma: An analysis of two independent population-based cohort studies.

ObjectiveIrritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic disorder associated with an abnormal gastrointestinal microbiome. Microbiome–host interactions are known to influence organ function including in the central nervous system; thus, we sought to identify whether IBS may be a risk factor for the development of glaucoma.DesignTwo prospective cohort studies.SubjectsThe 1958 United Kingdom Birth Cohort (UKBC; 9091 individuals) and the Danish National Registry of Patients (DNRP; 62,541 individuals with IBS and 625,410 matched general population cohort members).MethodsIn the UKBC, participants were surveyed throughout life (including at ages 42 and 50). The DNRP contains records of hospital‐based contacts and prescription data from the national prescription database.Main Outcome MeasureThe main outcome measure was incidence of glaucoma. In the UKBC, incident glaucoma at age 50 (n = 48) was determined through comparison of survey responses at ages 42 and 50 years. In the DNRP, glaucoma was assessed by hospital diagnosis (n = 1510), glaucoma surgery (n = 582) and initiation of glaucoma medications (n = 1674).ResultsIn the UKBC, the odds ratio (OR) of developing glaucoma between ages 42 and 50 in persons with a chronic IBS diagnosis was increased [OR: 5.84, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.26–15.13]. People with an IBS diagnosis in the DNRP had a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.35 for developing physician‐diagnosed glaucoma (95% CI: 1.16–1.56), an HR of 1.35 for undergoing glaucoma surgery (95% CI: 1.06–1.70) and an HR of 1.19 for initiating glaucoma medication (95% CI: 1.03–1.38).ConclusionsIn two large European cohort studies, IBS is a risk factor for glaucoma.

Association of Hypertriglyceridemia and Incident Glaucoma in a Rural Chinese Population: The Handan Eye Study.

PurposeThe purpose of this paper was to investigate the association between baseline metabolic risk factors and incident glaucoma over a 5-year period in rural Chinese adults.MethodsPopulation-based prospective cohort study. Participants aged 30 years and older without glaucoma at baseline who underwent comprehensive examinations at baseline and after a 5-year interval in the Handan Eye Study were enrolled. Incident glaucoma was defined as people without glaucoma in either eye at baseline that had developed glaucoma in at least one eye in the 5-year follow-up. Five metabolic syndrome components, mean blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides (TGs), low density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and obesity, determined as body mass index ≥30 kg/m2 at baseline were considered as potential metabolic risk factors for incident glaucoma. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were carried out to determine baseline metabolic risk factors associated with incident glaucoma.ResultsA total of 5184 participants were included in our study. During the 5-year follow-up, incident glaucoma developed in 82 subjects. Age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.060, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.034, 1.086, P < 0.001) and TGs level (OR = 1.213, 95% CI = 1.030, 1.429, P = 0.021) were independently and positively associated with incident glaucoma.ConclusionsOur study revealed that increased age and high TGs level, one of the baseline metabolic features, were independent risk factors for incident glaucoma. The data implied that the metabolic features be involved in the pathogenesis of glaucoma.Translational RelevanceThis study shed the light on that the TGs level was involved in the pathogenesis of glaucoma.

Twelve-Year Incidence of Open-angle Glaucoma: The Thessaloniki Eye Study.

The objective of this study was to determine the 12-year incidence of open-angle glaucoma (OAG), with further classification into primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and pseudoexfoliative glaucoma (PEXG), in an elderly White population. A longitudinal, population-based study in urban Northern Greece. Surviving cohort of the 2554 Thessaloniki Eye Study subjects 60 years and above who had the baseline examination. The surviving cohort was re-examined 12 years after baseline, using the same methodology and the same standard operating procedures as in the baseline examination. The definitions of glaucoma and pseudoexfoliation were consistent throughout the study. The 12-year incidences of OAG, POAG, and PEXG with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for the whole study population, consisting of clinic-visit and home-visit participants. The population at risk was defined as those who did not meet the study criteria for the diagnosis of glaucoma in either eye at baseline. Twelve-year incidence of OAG, with further classification into POAG and PEXG. Of 1468 eligible subjects in the surviving cohort, 1092 were examined (participation rate 74%). Mean age at baseline was 68.9±4.6 years. Mean follow-up time was 11.6±1.6 years. The 12-year incidence of OAG was 4.4% (95% CI: 3.3-5.8); 0.37% per year. In the overall population the incidence of POAG and PEXG was 2.1% (95% CI: 1.3-3.2) and 2.3% (95% CI: 1.5-3.4), respectively. The corresponding incidence proportions were 2.9 (95% CI: 1.8-4.3) in those without PEX and 8.9 (95% CI: 5.8-12.9) in those with PEX at baseline and/or incidence. The latter was strongly associated with higher odds for incident glaucoma (odds ratio=3.34, 95% CI: 1.83-6.08, P<0.001). Of all incident OAG cases, 11.1% (95% CI: 4.4-24) had baseline intraocular pressure >21 mm Hg. The incidence of OAG was similar or higher compared with other White populations. The incidence of glaucoma in those with PEX was higher compared with the incidence of glaucoma in those without PEX.

Obesity and risk of age-related eye diseases: a systematic review of prospective population-based studies.

Obesity is a public health challenge worldwide. The relationship between obesity and age-related eye diseases including cataract, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy (DR) have remained elusive. We conducted a systematic review of three electronic databases for longitudinal population-based studies that described associations between measures of obesity including body mass index (BMI), waist-circumference (WC), and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and age-related eye diseases. Our search yielded 1731 articles, of which 14, 10, 16 and 8 articles met our eligibility criteria for cataract, glaucoma, AMD and DR, respectively. BMI-defined obesity was positively associated with incident cataract, incident AMD and incident DR in Western populations, but in Asian populations associations for incident AMD were not significant and associations for incident DR were inverse. WC-defined obesity was associated with incident glaucoma in non-Western populations. WHR-defined obesity but not BMI-defined obesity was associated with the incidence or progression of AMD in two Western studies. Overall, we found strong evidence supporting associations between obesity and age-related eye diseases. Further research on the association of abdominal obesity and effect of weight loss and physical activity on age-related eye diseases is warranted to support clinical and public health recommendations.

Carbohydrate intake and risk of glaucoma in the sun cohort.

To assess the association between carbohydrates (CH) intake and glaucoma incidence. 18,247 volunteer participants (183,067 person-years at risk) with 10-year of median follow-up were included in this prospective dynamic cohort. Baseline total CH intake (g/d) was categorised in quartiles and classified in nine different CH food sources. Self-reported diagnosis of glaucoma was collected at baseline and on biennial follow-up questionnaires. CH intake and glaucoma diagnosis were validated in a subsample of participants. We studied potential confounders and effect modificators, including diabetes. The relationship between CH intake and glaucoma incidence was analysed using multivariable Cox proportional hazards ratio (HR) models to adjust for potential confounding factors. During 10 years of median follow-up, a total of 242 new cases of glaucoma were identified. Participants in the highest quartile of baseline CH intake had a significantly higher risk of glaucoma as compared to participants in the lowest quartile [HR 1.50 (95% Confidence interval (CI): 1.01-2.25), p for trend = 0.042]. None of the nine CH food groups was individually related to glaucoma. In stratified analyses, after excluding all cases of diabetes, the HR comparing extreme quartiles of CH intake was 1.77 (95% CI: 1.15-2.74). Our results suggest that a higher intake of total carbohydrates is associated with a higher risk of incident glaucoma. The total amount of CH, rather than the specific food sources of CH, seems to play a major role, and this association does not seem to be confounded or modified by diabetic status.

Association of vitamin D with incident glaucoma: findings from the Women’s Health Initiative

The relationship between vitamin D and glaucoma is controversial. The objective of this study was to examine women from the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) to determine if there is an...

Periodontitis and the subsequent risk of glaucoma: results from the real-world practice

Periodontitis is a multifactorial inflammatory disease that can cause tooth loss and contribute to systemic inflammation. It is suggested that periodontitis may be associated with the development of glaucoma. Based on data from Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database, a retrospective cohort study was conducted to investigate the risk of developing glaucoma in patients with periodontitis. The periodontitis cohort consisted of newly diagnosed adult patients (n = 194,090, minimum age = 20 years) between 2000 and 2012. The comparison group included age-, gender-, and diagnosis date-matched people without periodontitis (n = 194,090, minimum age = 20 years). Incident glaucoma was monitored until the end of 2013. Hazard ratios (HRs) with confidence intervals (CIs) were established based on the Cox proportional hazard models. The risk of developing glaucoma was higher in patients with periodontitis than those without periodontitis (31.2 vs. 23.3 patients per 10,000 person-years, with an adjusted HR of 1.26 [95% CI 1.21–1.32]). A high risk was evident even after stratifying by age (adjusted HRs = 1.34 [1.26–1.44] for ages 20–49, 1.24 [1.13–1.36] for ages ≥ 65, and 1.20 [1.12–1.29] for ages 50–64 years), sex (adjusted HRs = 1.33 [1.24–1.41] and 1.21 [1.14–1.28] for men and women, respectively), presence of comorbidity (adjusted HRs = 1.38 [1.29–1.47] and 1.18 [1.12–1.25] for without and with comorbidity, respectively), and corticosteroid use (adjusted HRs = 1.27 [1.21–1.33] and 1.21 [1.08–1.35] for without and with corticosteroid use, respectively). Specifically, patients with periodontitis exhibited a significantly high risk of primary open-angle glaucoma (adjusted HR = 1.31 [1.21–1.32]) but not for primary closed-angle glaucoma (adjusted HR = 1.05 [0.94–1.17]). People with periodontitis are at a greater risk of glaucoma than individuals without periodontitis. Ocular health should be emphasized for such patients, and the underlying mechanisms need further investigation.

A Prospective Cohort Study of Muscular and Performance Fitness and Incident Glaucoma: The Niigata Wellness Study.

To examine the association between muscular and performance fitness (MPF) and the incidence of glaucoma. A total of 27,051 glaucoma-free participants aged 20-87years underwent physical fitness tests between April 2001 and March 2002. The MPF index was calculated using an age- and sex-specific summed z-score from grip strength, vertical jump, single-leg balance, forward bending, and whole-body reaction time. The participants were divided into quartiles according to the MPF index and each physical fitness test. Participants were followed up for the development of glaucoma, which was defined based on physician-diagnosed glaucoma at an annual health examination between April 2002 and March 2008. Hazard ratios for the incidence of glaucoma were estimated using Cox proportional hazards models. During follow-up, 303 participants developed glaucoma. Compared with the lowest MPF index group, hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) of developing glaucoma was 0.64 (0.46-0.89) for the highest MPF index group (P for trend = .001). Vertical jump and whole-body reaction time were associated with incident glaucoma (P for trend = .01 and <.001, respectively). There were no associations between the other physical fitness tests and the incidence of glaucoma. Higher MPF is associated with lower incidence of glaucoma.

Six-Year Incidence and Risk Factors of Primary Glaucoma in the Singapore Indian Eye Study

To determine the 6-year incidence of primary glaucoma and its risk factors in an Indian population in Singapore. Cohort population-based study. Indian adults between 40 and 80 years of age living in Singapore. A total of 3400 participants underwent the baseline examination between 2007 and 2009. Of them, 2200 (response rate, 75.5% of those eligible) participated in the 6-year follow-up visit between 2013 and2015. Standardized examination and investigations were performed, including indentation gonioscopy, intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement, optic disc examination, and static automated perimetry. Glaucoma was defined according to the International Society Geographical and Epidemiological Ophthalmology criteria. Incidences of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG). The age-standardized incidences of primary glaucoma, POAG, and PACG were 1.68% (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.21%-2.32%), 1.37% (95% CI, 0.94%-1.96%), and 0.32% (95% CI, 0.15%-0.66%), respectively. For eyes with ocular hypertension (n= 45) at baseline, the incidence of POAG was 4.83% (95% CI, 1.24%-17.21%) and for eyes with primary angle closure (n= 14) or suspected primary angle closure (n= 101), the incidence of PACG developing was 1.82% (95% CI, 0.37%-9.68%). Baseline factors associated significantly with risk of primary glaucoma developing included older age (per decade; odds ratio [OR], 1.84; 95% CI, 1.44-2.36; P < 0.001), larger vertical cup-to-disc ratio (per 0.1 unit; OR, 2.78; 95% CI, 2.12-3.64; P < 0.001), and higher IOP (per millimeter of mercury; OR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.13-1.38; P < 0.001). However, 71 of 85 eyes (84.5%) diagnosed with incident glaucoma had IOP of less than 21 mmHg at the time of examination. Our study showed that the overall age-standardized incidence of primary glaucoma was 1.68% in an Indian population in Singapore. In our population, the incidence of POAG was only half and the incidence of PACG was similar to the incidence reported by the Chennai Eye Disease Study.

A Prospective Cohort Study of Physical Fitness and Incident Glaucoma: The Niigata Wellness Study

There is limited evidence exploring the association between cardiorespiratory fitness and the incidence of glaucoma. However, associations between other components of fitness and incident glaucoma are still unknown. PURPOSE: To investigate the association between muscular and performance fitness and the incidence of glaucoma among Japanese workers in the Niigata Wellness Study. METHODS: Participants included 26,183 workers (18,129 men) [median (interquartile range) age 50 (44-56) years] free of glaucoma who underwent physical fitness tests in 2001. Muscular and performance fitness index was calculated using a summed z-score by sex and age from grip strength, vertical jump, single-leg balance with eyes closed, forward bending, and whole-body reaction time. The participants were divided into quartiles according to the muscular and performance fitness index and each physical fitness test. During 2002-2007, participants were followed for development of glaucoma, which was defined based on physician diagnosis. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for the incidence of glaucoma were estimated using Cox proportional hazards models after adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, cigarette smoking, alcohol intake, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes. RESULTS: During the follow-up, 292 participants developed glaucoma. The HRs (95% CIs) for developing glaucoma across quartiles of muscular and performance fitness index (lowest to highest) were 1.00 (reference), 0.99 (0.74-1.34), 0.64 (0.46-0.89), and 0.64 (0.46-0.89) (P for trend = 0.001). For vertical jump, the HRs (95% CIs) of developing glaucoma across quartiles (lowest to highest) were 1.00 (reference), 0.73 (0.54-0.99), 0.76 (0.56-1.03), and 0.54 (0.38-0.77) (P for trend < 0.001). For whole-body reaction time, the HRs (95% CIs) across quartiles (slowest to fastest) were 1.00 (reference), 0.77 (0.57-1.04), 0.65 (0.47-0.89), and 0.51 (0.37-0.72) (P for trend < 0.001). There were no associations between the other physical fitness tests and the incidence of glaucoma. CONCLUSIONS: Muscular and performance physical fitness may be associated with lower risk of incident glaucoma. The precise mechanisms, which may include beneficial changes to intraocular pressure and antioxidant effects, are unknown and should be explored.

Twelve-Year Incidence and Baseline Risk Factors for Pseudoexfoliation: The Thessaloniki Eye Study (An American Ophthalmological Society Thesis)

To determine the 12-year incidence of pseudoexfoliation (PEX), baseline risk factors for incident PEX and risk factors for incident pseudoexfoliative glaucoma (PEXG) among those with PEX in an elderly white population. Longitudinal, population-based study in Thessaloniki, the major urban center in Northern Greece. The baseline cohort included 2554 participants ≥60 years old. The surviving cohort was re-examined 12 years later using the same methodology. PEX was defined as typical fibrillar material at the pupil margin and/or on the lens capsule. Glaucoma was defined as both structural and functional damage, irrespective of intraocular pressure (IOP). Of 1468 eligible subjects in the surviving cohort, 1092 (74%) participated in the follow-up study. The mean age ± standard deviation (SD) at baseline was 68.9 ± 4.6 years. The mean follow-up time was 11.6 ± 1.6 years. The 12-year incidence of PEX was 19.6% (95% confidence interval (CI), 17.1-22.2), with women more likely to be affected than men (Fisher's exact test, P= .0197). Higher axial length was associated with lower odds of incident PEX (odds ratio [OR], 0.72 per mm; 95% CI, 0.57-0.92). PEX at baseline was not associated with an increased likelihood of major vascular disease (P= .9038). Higher baseline IOP (OR, 1.26 per mm Hg; 95% CI, 1.07-1.48) and history of heart attack at baseline (OR, 13.49; 95% CI, 2.85-63.87) were associated with a greater likelihood of developing PEXG among those with PEX. A history of alcohol consumption at baseline was protective of individuals developing PEXG if they had PEX at baseline. This is one of the very few longitudinal population-based studies that has specifically assessed the incidence of PEX. The association with axial length was previously found only in a cross-sectional study. The associations with heart attack and alcohol consumption are new findings. In individuals with baseline PEX, higher IOP at baseline, history of heart attack at baseline, and no alcohol consumption were associated with a greater likelihood of developing glaucomatous damage approximately 12 years later. NOTE: Publication of this article is sponsored bythe American Ophthalmological Society.

Physical Activity, Cardiorespiratory Fitness, and Incident Glaucoma.

This study aimed to examine the associations of physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness (hereafter fitness) with incident glaucoma in a prospective observational study. Physical activity was measured by self-reported leisure-time activities, and fitness was measured by maximal treadmill test. Incident glaucoma was defined based on physician diagnosis. Participants were 9519 men and women between the ages of 40 and 81 yr old (mean age 50 yr) who were enrolled in the Aerobics Center Longitudinal Study. Hazard ratios (HR) were estimated using Cox proportional hazard regression after adjusting for age, sex, race, examination year, smoking status, heavy alcohol drinking, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, abnormal ECG, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. A total of 128 cases of incident glaucoma were reported during a mean follow-up of 5.7 yr. A significantly lower risk of incident glaucoma (HR = 0.53, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] = 0.35-0.79) was found in individuals who met the physical activity guidelines of ≥500 MET·min·wk compared with inactive individuals (0 MET·min·wk). Compared with low fitness (lower third), individuals with high fitness (upper third) also had a significantly lower risk of incident glaucoma (HR = 0.60, 95% CI = 0.38-0.95). A joint analysis of physical activity and fitness showed that meeting physical activity guidelines and being in the high fitness category was associated with the lowest risk for developing glaucoma (HR = 0.49, 95% CI = 0.31-0.79). These data provide epidemiological evidence that meeting physical activity guidelines or being fit reduces the risk of developing glaucoma.

Eight-Year Incidence of Open-Angle Glaucoma in the Tema Eye Survey

To determine the incidence of open-angle glaucoma (OAG) and its risk factors in the Tema Eye Survey in Ghana, West Africa. Longitudinal, observational population-based study. One thousand two hundred five of 1500 participants 40 years of age or older selected randomly from 5603 participants originally drawn from the population and who had undergone a baseline examination. All participants underwent baseline and follow-up ophthalmologic examinations 8 years apart. Glaucoma diagnosis was determined based on the International Society for Geographical and Epidemiologic Ophthalmology criteria. Incidence and odds ratio (OR). The response rate was 80.3%. Of 1101 nonglaucomatous participants at baseline who had complete follow-up data, 4.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.7%-5.2%) demonstrated OAG over the 8-year period, or 0.58% (95% CI, 0.4%-0.8%) per year. The 8-year incidence increased with age from 3.1% in those 40 to 49 years old to 7.0% in those 60 to 69 years old. Baseline risk factors for incident OAG were male gender (OR, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.1-4.0; P= 0.025), older age relative to those 40 to 49 years old (those 50-50 years old: OR, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.2-5.7; those 60-69 years old: OR, 4.3; 95% CI, 2.0-8.8; and for those 70 years of age andolder: OR, 6.3; 95% CI, 2.6-15.4; all P < 0.001), higher intraocular pressure (IOP; OR, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.1-1.8; P< 0.001), larger vertical cup-to-disc ratio (OR, 5.8; 95% CI, 5.2-6.6; P < 0.001), and thinner central cornea (OR, 1.2; 95% CI, 1.03-1.5; P= 0.013). A separate analysis performed with central corneal thickness-based IOP correction did not change the outcome of the associative model of incident glaucoma. The incidence of OAG is higher in this population than reported in nonblack populations outside Africa. This is important not only in Ghana and probably other West African countries but also wherever people of the West African diaspora reside. These data enhance our understanding of the epidemiologic factors of OAG in this setting and may serve as reference for public health policy and planning.

Cumulative Lead Exposure and Risk of Incident Open-Angle Glaucoma: The VA Normative Aging Study

Cumulative Lead Exposure and Risk of Incident Open-Angle Glaucoma: The VA Normative Aging Study

Association of Systemic Medication Use With Intraocular Pressure in a Multiethnic Asian Population

There is limited understanding of the associations between systemic medication use and intraocular pressure (IOP) in the general population. To examine the association between systemic medication use and IOP in a multiethnic Asian population. In this post hoc analysis of the Singapore Epidemiology of Eye Diseases study, a population-based study of 10 033 participants (78.7% response rate) from 3 racial/ethnic groups (Chinese [recruited from February 9, 2009, through December 19, 2011], Malays [recruited from August 16, 2004, though July 10, 2006], and Indians [recruited from May 21, 2007, through December 29, 2009]), participants with glaucoma, previous ocular surgery, or trauma and an IOP asymmetry greater than 5 mm Hg between eyes were excluded. Intraocular pressure was measured using Goldmann applanation tonometry. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was conducted to collect data on medication and other variables. Data analysis was performed from August 1 through October 31, 2015. Associations between medication and IOP were assessed using linear regression models adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, ethnicity, and the medical condition for which the medication was taken (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors [ACEIs], angiotensin receptor blockers [ARBs], and β-blockers adjusted for blood pressure, statins adjusted for lipids, and biguanides, sulfonylureas, α-glycosidase inhibitors [AGIs], and insulin adjusted for glycosylated hemoglobin). Medications associated with significant IOP differences were incorporated into regression models adjusted for concomitant use of multiple medications. Generalized estimating equation models were used to account for correlation between eyes. Of the 10 033 participants, we analyzed 8063 (mean [SD] age, 57.0 [9.6] years; 4107 female [50.9%]; 2680 Chinese [33.2%], 2757 Malay [34.2%], and 2626 Indian [32.6%] individuals). Systemic β-blocker use was independently associated with an IOP of 0.45 mm Hg lower (95% CI, -0.65 to -0.25 mm Hg; P < .001). Conversely, higher mean IOP was associated with use of ACEIs (0.33 mm Hg higher; 95% CI, 0.08 to 0.57 mm Hg; P = .008), ARBs (0.40 mm Hg higher; 95% CI, 0.40-0.75 mm Hg; P = .02), statins (0.21 mm Hg higher; 95% CI, 0.02-0.4 mm Hg; P = .03), and sulfonylureas (0.34 mm Hg higher; 95% CI, 0.05-0.63 mm Hg; P = .02). An interaction between medication classes for additive, synergistic, or antagonistic effects on IOP was not identified. Although systemic β-blocker use was associated with lower IOP and systemic ACEI, ARB, statin, and sulfonylurea use was associated with higher IOP in this study, the associations were modest at best. Only the associations with systemic hypoglycemic agents were greater than 1 mm Hg, a threshold that has translated to a 14% greater risk of incident glaucoma across 5 years in other studies. At this point, the effect of systemic medication on IOP in eyes with glaucoma is not well elucidated but important. Our findings indicate that patients with glaucoma may potentially be at risk of higher or lower IOP, depending on medication class, and this would in turn affect management of IOP control.

Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness and Characteristics Associated with Glaucoma in Community Living Older Adults: Prelude to a Screening Trial?

ABSTRACTPurpose: To examine the associations of nerve fiber layer (NFL) thickness with other ocular characteristics in older adults.Methods: Participants in the Beaver Dam Eye Study (2008–2010) underwent spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) scans of the optic nerve head, imaging of optic discs, frequency doubling technology (FDT) perimetry, measurement of intraocular pressure (IOP), and an interview concerning their history of glaucoma and use of drops to lower eye pressure. Self-reported histories of glaucoma and the use of drops to lower eye pressure were obtained at follow-up examinations (2014–2016).Results: NFL thickness measured on OCTs varied by location around the optic nerve. Age was associated with mean NFL thickness. Mean NFL was thinnest in eyes with larger cup/disc (C/D) ratios. Horizontal hemifield defects or other optic nerve-field defects were associated with thinner NFL. NFL in persons who reported taking eye drops for high intraocular pressure was thinner compared to those not taking drops. After accounting for the presence of high intraocular pressure, large C/D ratios or hemifield defects, eyes with thinner NFL in the arcades were more likely (OR = 2.3 for 30 micron thinner NFL, p = 0.04) to have incident glaucoma at examination 5 years later.Conclusion: Retinal NFL thickness was associated with a new history of self-reported glaucoma 5 years later. A trial testing the usefulness of NFL as part of a screening battery for predicting glaucoma in those previously undiagnosed might lead to improved case finding and, ultimately, to diminishing the risk of visual field loss.

The Maccabi Glaucoma Study: Treatment Patterns and Persistence With Glaucoma Therapy in a Large Israeli Health Maintenance Organization.

To describe treatment patterns, adherence, and persistence with initial therapy among glaucoma patients in the community. A population-based historical prospective cohort study, using the electronic medical databases of Maccabi Healthcare Services, a 2 million member health maintenance organization in Israel. Newly diagnosed glaucoma patients between 2003 and 2010, who purchased at least 1 antiglaucoma medication, were followed up to December 31, 2012. Outcome measures included medication adherence analyzed by proportion of days covered by drugs during follow-up time, and persistence with initial therapy measured by time until switch or discontinuation of first-line therapy. A total of 5934 incident definite glaucoma patients were identified, 13% of whom were nonadherent with therapy (covered <20% of the follow-up time), and only 25% exhibited high adherence (covered at least 80% of the follow-up period). Adherence was positively associated with female sex, age, socioeconomic status, frequent follow-up visits, and higher baseline intraocular pressure. Lower median adherence (P<0.01) was observed among patients of normal tension glaucoma (52%) and angle closure (59%) as compared with open angle (65%) and exfoliation glaucoma (68%). Patients treated by glaucoma specialists had similar adherence to those treated by general ophthalmologists (proportion of days covered=65% vs. 63%, P=0.42). Persistence with initial line of therapy varied by type of medication, with prostaglandin initiators exhibiting the highest persistence (13% reduced likelihood of switch or discontinuation as compared with β-blockers, P<0.01) and α-agonists the lowest persistence (39% increased likelihood of switch or discontinuation as compared with β-blockers, P<0.01). This large-scale analysis of real-world use of glaucoma medications reveals that adherence to glaucoma therapy is associated with medication type, patient's sex, age, socioeconomic status, type of glaucoma, follow-up visits, and baseline intraocular pressure.

Ophthalmic and Glaucoma Treatment Characteristics Associated With Changes in Health-related Quality of Life Before and After Newly Diagnosed Primary Open-angle Glaucoma in Nurses' Health Study Participants.

To identify attributes related to glaucoma diagnosis or early glaucoma treatment patterns that are associated with changes in health-related quality of life among those with newly diagnosed primary open-angle glaucoma. Among Nurses' Health Study participants with incident medical record-confirmed primary open-angle glaucoma diagnosed in 1992 to 2000, we included 317 women who completed the Short Form-36 Health Survey prediagnosis and postdiagnosis. The 2 primary outcomes were 4-year changes (1992 to 1996 or 1996 to 2000) in the physical and mental component summary scores. Multiple regression models were used to estimate differences in score changes by early treatment pattern history and characteristics as of diagnosis (ie, number of eyes affected, history of cataract, macular degeneration, cup-to-disc ratio, intraocular pressure, visual field loss type). In multivariable models, no ophthalmologic characteristics were associated with physical component score change. However, compared with treatment with eye drops or pills only, laser trabeculoplasty treatment (concomitant with history of treatment with eye drops or pills in 84%) was associated with a worse mental component score change over 4 years (-2.5 units; 95% confidence interval: -4.6, -0.3); this association was stronger with a family history of glaucoma (P-interaction=0.04) or with bilateral disease (P-interaction=0.001). Among patients with incident glaucoma, no major factors were associated with change in physical well being. However, compared with medical treatment only, a history of laser trabeculoplasty, which was commonly accompanied with a history of medical treatment and likely represented the need for a second line of treatment, was associated with a worse decline in mental well being.

The prevalence and incidence of glaucoma in Denmark in a fifteen year period: A nationwide study

PurposeThe purpose of the present study was to describe the prevalence, incidence and demographic variation of glaucoma patients in Denmark in the period from 1996 to 2011. Moreover, the aim was to identify the treatment pattern of glaucoma medication within the studied period.MethodsThe study population comprised all individuals living in Denmark in the period 1996‐2011. The National Prescription Registry was used to identify all claimed prescriptions for glaucoma medication.ResultsA total of 116,592 incident glaucoma patients were identified. Average age at onset was 66 years (range: 0‐105 year), 55% were women. The over all prevalence of glaucoma increased from 0.79% to 1.72% during the investigated period. In 2011, glaucoma affected 3.76% of the population above 50 years and 10% in patients above 80 years.The highest prevalence of glaucoma was found in capital region of Denmark. Within the studied period the use of prostaglandin analogs and combination drugs increased, whereas the use of b‐blockers, carbon anhydrase inhibitors and parasympathomimetic drugs decreased (p &lt; 0.001). Finally, the use of a2‐adrenergic agonists remained unchanged within the studied period. A total of 75% of the patients were treated with two or more glaucoma medications.ConclusionsOver all, the present study is the first assessment of the frequency and the development of glaucoma in Denmark over a 15‐year period. Glaucoma affects a little less than 2% of the total population and increases with age to reach a prevalence of more than 10% amongst people above 80 years.