Calcium Channel Blocker Use and Associated Glaucoma and Related Traits Among UK Biobank Participants

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Cardiology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Exploratory studies suggest a link between calcium channel blocker (CCB) use and increased glaucoma risk.
• Understanding this association is crucial for patient care and medication management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between systemic CCB use and glaucoma, intraocular pressure (IOP), and retinal layer thicknesses in UK Biobank participants.
• To explore potential mechanisms underlying the CCB-glaucoma relationship.

Main Methods:

• A population-based cross-sectional study utilizing UK Biobank data (2006-2010).
• Analysis included glaucoma status, corneal-compensated IOP, and OCT-derived macular retinal nerve fiber layer (mRNFL) and macular ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (mGCIPL) thicknesses.
• Logistic and linear regression models were used to assess associations, adjusting for multiple confounding factors.

Main Results:

• CCB use was associated with a 39% increased odds of glaucoma (OR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.14-1.69).
• CCB users exhibited thinner mGCIPL (-0.34 microm) and mRNFL (-0.16 microm) thicknesses.
• No significant association was found between CCB use and IOP.

Conclusions:

• Systemic CCB use is adversarially associated with glaucoma and structural retinal thinning (mGCIPL, mRNFL).
• The lack of association with IOP suggests a potential IOP-independent mechanism in CCB-related glaucomatous neurodegeneration.
• Consideration of CCB alternatives may be warranted for glaucoma patients experiencing progression.