Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 4, 2026
13:47
Laser Capture Microdissection of Highly Pure Trabecular Meshwork from Mouse Eyes for Gene Expression Analysis
Published on: June 3, 2018
Female reproductive factors and primary open-angle glaucoma in the Nurses' Health Study
1Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 243 Charles Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA. Louis_Pasquale@meei.harvard.edu
Eye (London, England)
|February 22, 2011
Summary
Long-term oral contraceptive (OC) use, specifically 5 or more years, is linked to a modest increase in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) risk. These findings suggest estrogen may play a role in POAG development.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Reproductive Health
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide.
- Reproductive factors, including oral contraceptive (OC) use, have been investigated for potential links to POAG pathogenesis.
- Estrogen's role in ocular health and its potential influence on glaucoma risk warrant further exploration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between age at menarche, parity, and oral contraceptive (OC) use with the risk of developing primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).
Main Methods:
- Prospective cohort study of 79,440 women from the Nurses' Health Study (1980-2006).
- Incident POAG cases were identified, and multivariable proportional hazards models were used to calculate risks.
- Data on reproductive history and OC use were collected via biennial questionnaires.
Main Results:
- No significant association was found between age at menarche or reproductive duration and POAG risk.
- Ever using OCs was not significantly associated with POAG risk.
- However, using OCs for ≥5 years was associated with a 25% increased risk of POAG (MVRR=1.25; 95% CI, 1.02, 1.53).
- Among past OC users, a shorter time since cessation was linked to increased POAG risk.
- Parity showed no association with POAG risk.
Conclusions:
- Oral contraceptive use of 5 years or longer is associated with a modestly increased risk of primary open-angle glaucoma.
- These findings support a potential role for circulating estrogen in the development of POAG.
Related Concept Videos
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...
01:27Open 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...
01:28Angle 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...
01:21Nursing Assessment of the Genitourinary System I: Health History
The genitourinary system is critical to maintaining fluid balance, waste elimination, and reproductive function. Nurses play a vital role in assessing this system, beginning with a thorough health history. This process involves gathering patient information, identifying risk factors, and recognizing symptoms of genitourinary disorders. Early detection is vital for timely interventions and management.1. Gathering Patient InformationA complete health history includes the patient’s personal,...