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Is open-angle glaucoma associated with early menopause? The Rotterdam Study.
C A Hulsman1, I C Westendorp, R S Ramrattan
1The Netherlands Ophthalmic Research Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
American Journal of Epidemiology
|July 12, 2001
Summary
Women experiencing early menopause before age 45 face a significantly higher risk of developing open-angle glaucoma. This study highlights a crucial link between menopause timing and glaucoma development in older women.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Endocrinology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Open-angle glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness.
- Menopause is associated with various physiological changes that could impact ocular health.
- The relationship between age at menopause and glaucoma risk requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between age at menopause and the risk of open-angle glaucoma.
- To determine if early menopause increases the likelihood of developing open-angle glaucoma.
Main Methods:
- Population-based Rotterdam Study (1990-1993) included women aged 55 years and older.
- Menopause age and type were collected via interviews.
- Open-angle glaucoma diagnosis based on visual field defects and optic neuropathy.
Main Results:
- Women with natural menopause before age 45 had a 2.6-fold increased risk of open-angle glaucoma (OR=2.6; 95% CI: 1.5, 4.8).
- No significant association was found for menopause between ages 45-49 (OR=1.1; 95% CI: 0.7, 2.0).
- Results were adjusted for age and hormone replacement therapy use.
Conclusions:
- Early menopause (before age 45) is associated with an elevated risk of open-angle glaucoma.
- These findings suggest a potential hormonal influence on glaucoma development.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms linking menopause and glaucoma.