Association between Allergen Sensitization and Open-Angle Glaucoma: An Analysis Using 2010 Korea National Health and...

We sought to investigate the association between allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) sensitization and open-angle glaucoma (OAG) using a nationally representative South Korean population.

This cross-sectional study used data from the 2010 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). Among 8,958 participants, 1,334 subjects with complete ophthalmologic and allergen-specific IgE test results were included. Sensitization to indoor allergens (house dust mites, cockroaches, and dog dander) was assessed using ImmunoCAP assays. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association between allergen sensitization and OAG, adjusting for demographic, metabolic, and lifestyle factors.

Among the 1,334 participants analyzed, 62 were diagnosed with OAG. Sensitization to cockroach allergens was associated with increased odds of OAG (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.19; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02-1.38), whereas sensitization to house dust mites was associated with lower odds (aOR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.31-1.00). No significant associations were found for total IgE levels or sensitization to dog allergens.

Allergen sensitization is differentially associated with OAG, depending on the allergen type. Cockroach sensitization was associated with greater odds of glaucoma, while house dust mite sensitization demonstrated an inverse association. These findings provide epidemiological evidence for a differential association between specific allergen sensitizations and OAG. Also, it supports the hypothesis of immune-mediated mechanisms in glaucoma pathogenesis and justify further investigation into these inflammatory pathways.