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Updated: Jun 14, 2025

Assessing Early Stage Open-Angle Glaucoma in Patients by Isolated-Check Visual Evoked Potential
Published on: May 25, 2020
Exploring Cognitive Impairments Associated with Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma and Exfoliation Glaucoma.
Yoichi Kadoh1, Suguru Kubota1, Soichiro Shimomine1
1Department of Ophthalmology, Shimane University Faculty of Medicine, Izumo 693-8501, Japan.
Exfoliation glaucoma (EG) patients showed poorer cognitive function and higher advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) compared to primary open-angle glaucoma (PG) patients. AGEs accumulation linked to cognitive decline in EG, suggesting potential for non-invasive monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neurology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Glaucoma, a leading cause of irreversible blindness, is increasingly recognized for its potential systemic associations.
- Cognitive impairment is a growing concern in aging populations, and its link with ocular diseases warrants further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between different glaucoma subtypes and cognitive function in Japanese patients.
- To explore the role of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) and other factors in cognitive decline among glaucoma patients.
Main Methods:
- A cohort study involving 620 Japanese patients, categorized into primary open-angle glaucoma (PG), exfoliation glaucoma (EG), and non-glaucomatous control groups.
- Cognitive function assessed using the Mini-Cog test; advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) measured via fingertip.
- Statistical analyses, including multivariate analysis and consideration of confounding factors like age and intraocular pressure (IOP).
Main Results:
- Exfoliation glaucoma (EG) patients demonstrated significantly lower Mini-Cog scores (indicating poorer cognitive function) compared to primary open-angle glaucoma (PG) patients (p < 0.0001).
- Fingertip AGEs levels were significantly higher in the EG group than in the PG group (p = 0.0014).
- High AGEs levels were associated with cognitive decline and reduced mean visual fields in the EG group, with age as a confounding factor. An inverse correlation was found between AGEs and skin carotenoid levels.
Conclusions:
- Exfoliation glaucoma is associated with a greater decline in cognitive function compared to primary open-angle glaucoma.
- Accumulation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) may play a role in cognitive impairment and visual field loss in EG patients.
- Non-invasive fingertip measurements of AGEs and skin carotenoids show promise for monitoring ophthalmic and cognitive health in glaucoma patients.
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