Suicide risk in juvenile open angle glaucoma patients

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Psychiatry
• Public Health

Background:

• Juvenile open angle glaucoma (JOAG) is a serious eye condition.
• Mental health comorbidities in glaucoma patients are increasingly recognized.
• Understanding the specific risks in Korean populations is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between open angle glaucoma (OAG) and mental health outcomes in Koreans.
• To identify specific mental health risks, including suicidal behaviors, depression, and psychiatric counseling needs.
• To explore age-specific differences in these associations, particularly for JOAG.

Main Methods:

• Utilized nationally representative data from the 8th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) 2021.
• Diagnosed OAG based on established International Society of Geographical and Epidemiological Ophthalmology criteria.
• Employed logistic regression models to analyze associations between OAG and mental health outcomes, adjusting for various covariates.

Main Results:

• Open angle glaucoma (OAG) was diagnosed in 2.6% of the analyzed participants.
• OAG patients exhibited significantly higher odds of suicidal behaviors (ideation, planning, attempts) compared to non-OAG individuals (OR: 2.70).
• The association between OAG and suicidal behaviors was stronger in younger JOAG patients (<40 years) than in older OAG patients (≥40 years).

Conclusions:

• Open angle glaucoma (OAG) patients, particularly those with juvenile OAG, demonstrate an elevated risk for suicidal behaviors.
• No significant associations were found between OAG and psychiatric counseling or depression.
• These findings highlight the critical need for integrated mental health support in OAG patient care.