Risk factors for open-angle glaucoma: a case-control study

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Open-angle glaucoma (OAG) is a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide.
• Identifying risk factors for OAG is crucial for early detection and prevention strategies.
• Previous research has explored various risk factors, but regional and ethnic variations warrant further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and quantify risk factors associated with open-angle glaucoma (OAG) in a specific population.
• To investigate the role of demographic, anthropometric, dietary, and medical characteristics in OAG development.
• To provide data that can inform targeted OAG prevention and management programs.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study was conducted with 40 OAG patients (cases) and 104 controls aged 30+.
• Data collection involved medical examinations and interviews to gather information on demographics, lifestyle, and medical history.
• Stepwise logistic regression was used to calculate adjusted odds ratios (OR) for identified risk factors.

Main Results:

• Significant risk factors for OAG included family history of glaucoma (OR, 18), older age (OR, 1.05), higher body mass index (BMI) (OR, 1.09), hyperopia (OR, 2.9), belonging to the Mongo ethnic group (OR, 3.5), and rice consumption (OR, 4.6).
• Family history of glaucoma and rice consumption showed particularly strong associations with OAG risk.
• The Mongo ethnic group was confirmed as being associated with an increased risk of OAG.

Conclusions:

• Family history, age, BMI, hyperopia, ethnicity (Mongo), and rice consumption are significant risk factors for OAG.
• These findings underscore the importance of considering genetic predisposition, lifestyle, and ethnicity in OAG risk assessment.
• Further research in diverse populations is needed to fully elucidate the multifactorial nature of OAG.