Related Experiment Videos
Open-angle glaucoma and cardiovascular mortality: the Blue Mountains Eye Study
Anne J Lee1, Jie Jin Wang, Annette Kifley
1Department of Ophthalmology, Centre for Vision Research, University of Sydney, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, Australia.
Ophthalmology
|July 4, 2006
Summary
Open-angle glaucoma patients showed increased cardiovascular mortality over nine years. This risk was higher in those previously diagnosed and using topical timolol, suggesting a need for further investigation into glaucoma and heart health.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Epidemiology
- Cardiovascular Health
Background:
- Open-angle glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness.
- The association between glaucoma and systemic mortality, particularly cardiovascular mortality, requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the association between open-angle glaucoma and 9-year mortality in an older population-based cohort.
- To assess cardiovascular and all-cause mortality risks in individuals with glaucoma.
Main Methods:
- A population-based cohort of 3,654 individuals aged 49-97 years was studied.
- Glaucoma diagnosis was based on visual field changes and optic disc cupping.
- Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to assess mortality risks, controlling for various health factors.
Main Results:
- Glaucoma was diagnosed in 3.0% of participants.
- A nonsignificant increased risk of cardiovascular death was observed in glaucoma patients (RR, 1.46).
- Increased cardiovascular mortality was noted in those with previously diagnosed glaucoma (RR, 1.85), especially those using topical timolol (RR, 2.14).
Conclusions:
- Previously diagnosed glaucoma is associated with increased cardiovascular mortality.
- A potential link between topical timolol use and higher cardiovascular mortality warrants further research.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment
In open-angle glaucoma, the iridocorneal angle remains open, but the trabecular meshwork becomes stiff, slowing down the outflow of aqueous humor. This causes a buildup of aqueous humor in the anterior chamber, leading to a sudden increase in intraocular pressure. The treatment for open-angle glaucoma focuses on reducing the elevated intraocular pressure by either decreasing the secretion of aqueous humor or increasing its outflow.
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
01:25Glaucoma: Overview
Glaucoma is an eye condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure that damages the retina and optic nerve, leading to irreversible blindness if left untreated. The human eye has various components, including the cornea, iris, pupil, lens, and optic nerve. Aqueous humor is secreted by the epithelium of the ciliary body in the posterior chamber and flows through the trabecular meshwork and canal of Schlemm, maintaining normal intraocular pressure. The trabecular meshwork and the canal...
01:28Angle Closure Glaucoma: Treatment
Angle-closure glaucoma, or closed-angle glaucoma, is an eye condition where the iris bulges out and blocks the iridocorneal angle, resulting in a buildup of aqueous humor and increased intraocular pressure. Immediate medical attention is necessary due to the sudden onset of symptoms. The treatment for angle-closure glaucoma includes short-term and long-term approaches. Short-term treatment involves using eye drops like pilocarpine to lower intraocular pressure by increasing aqueous humor...