Relationship Between Intraocular Pressure and Age: A Population-Based Study in Nepal

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Glaucoma poses a significant health burden in the Indian subcontinent.
• Limited data exists on intraocular pressure (IOP) distribution in this region.
• Understanding IOP variations is crucial for diagnosing and managing eye conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the distribution of intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements in adults aged 60 and older in lowland Nepal.
• To investigate the relationship between age and IOP in this specific population.

Main Methods:

• A population-based, cross-sectional study was conducted in lowland Nepal.
• Individuals aged 60 years and older were invited for IOP assessment using a rebound tonometer.
• Data was collected from 10,017 participants from randomly selected communities.

Main Results:

• Mean IOP decreased with age, from 14.1 mm Hg in the 60-64 age group to 13.0 mm Hg in those 80 years and older.
• The 97.5th percentile IOP was 21.0 mm Hg across all age groups.
• Higher IOP was associated with younger age, self-reported diabetes, and higher population density; cataract surgery was linked to lower IOP.

Conclusions:

• Mean IOP in older Nepalese individuals was lower compared to Western populations, aligning with East Asian studies.
• Ethnic background may influence IOP, suggesting a need for consideration in diagnosing ocular hypertension.
• These findings contribute valuable data on IOP distribution in a previously understudied region.