Is atrial fibrillation a risk factor for normal-tension glaucoma?

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Cardiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Glaucoma (GL) and atrial fibrillation (AF) are significant public health concerns.
• Cardiovascular conditions like hypertension and diabetes are known risk factors for GL, particularly when intraocular pressure is normal.
• Limited research exists on the link between cardiac arrhythmias and glaucoma.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between atrial fibrillation (AF) and the risk of developing glaucoma.
• To determine if AF is an independent risk factor for normal-tension glaucoma (NTG).

Main Methods:

• A study included 117 patients: 79 with AF and 38 in a control group with sinus rhythm, matched for age and sex.
• Patients were assessed for normal-tension glaucoma (NTG) by an ophthalmologist.
• Key cardiovascular risk factors were compared between groups, and intraocular pressure was measured.

Main Results:

• NTG was diagnosed in 44.3% of AF patients versus 13.15% of controls, a statistically significant difference (P=.0221).
• No significant differences in intraocular pressure were found between the AF and control groups.
• A high proportion (approximately 75%) of AF patients with NTG exhibited early visual field damage.

Conclusions:

• Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an independent risk factor for developing normal-tension glaucoma (NTG).
• The findings highlight the importance of screening for NTG in patients with AF, as symptoms may not be obvious.
• Early detection and intervention are critical for preventing irreversible vision impairment and blindness in this population.