Increased risk of open-angle glaucoma in non-smoking women with obstructive pattern of spirometric tests

To investigate differences in the prevalence of open-angle glaucoma (OAG) between different pulmonary function types. A population-based, cross-sectional analysis was conducted using Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys from 2008 to 2011. A total of 8941 subjects  ≥ 40 years of age were analyzed. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was defined as the ratio between first second of forced expiration (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) below 70%. The prevalence of glaucoma, as defined by the International Society of Geographical and Epidemiological Ophthalmology, was the main outcome. OAG was more prevalent in women with COPD (8.0% vs. 4.8% normal, P = 0.001) compared to women with normal pulmonary function. Intraocular pressure (IOP) of women with COPD were 13.3 (0.2) mmHg (13.9 (0.1) mmHg for normal function, P = 0.182). Never-smokers were more prevalent in women with COPD and glaucoma (92.9% vs. 52.4% normal function; P < 0.001). COPD was found to increase the risk of glaucoma in women (OR 2.077, P = 0.017) and even further in non-smoking women (OR 2.711, P = 0.003). Women with COPD showed a higher glaucoma prevalence despite similar IOP in comparison to women with normal pulmonary function. Non-smoking COPD is significantly associated with open-angle glaucoma in women.