Cholesterol and glaucoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Cardiovascular Health
• Metabolic Disorders

Background:

• Intraocular pressure is a primary risk factor for glaucoma.
• Additional risk factors for glaucoma are being investigated to understand disease development.
• Cholesterol parameters, including total cholesterol, LDL, and HDL, are crucial in cardiovascular health and may influence ocular conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and meta-analyze existing observational studies on the association between cholesterol parameters and glaucoma.
• To investigate the relationship between total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels and the presence of glaucoma.

Main Methods:

• A systematic search of four electronic databases was performed using terms related to glaucoma and cholesterol/lipoproteins.
• Two independent reviewers screened studies for eligibility, and risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.
• A random-effects meta-analysis was employed to compare cholesterol levels between glaucoma patients and controls.

Main Results:

• Twenty-nine observational studies were included, with 26 providing quantitative data.
• Glaucoma patients exhibited significantly higher total cholesterol levels (MD 7.9 mg/dl) and lower HDL levels (MD -2.0 mg/dl) compared to non-glaucoma individuals.
• While LDL levels were higher in glaucoma patients, this difference was not statistically significant (MD 6.1 mg/dl).

Conclusions:

• This meta-analysis indicates an association between glaucoma and elevated total cholesterol and reduced HDL levels.
• The findings support the hypothesis that lipid profiles may represent an additional risk factor for glaucoma.
• However, substantial heterogeneity among studies and the observational nature of the data preclude causal inference.