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Open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension: the Long Island Glaucoma Case-control Study
M C Leske1, L Warheit-Roberts, S Y Wu
1Dept. Preventive Med., Univ. Med. Center, Stony Brook, NY 11794-8036, USA.
Ophthalmic Epidemiology
|June 1, 1996
Summary
This study found that while systemic hypertension is linked to high intraocular pressure (IOP), it does not independently increase open-angle glaucoma (OAG) risk. Family history and alcohol consumption were associated with OAG and ocular hypertension.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Open-angle glaucoma (OAG) and ocular hypertension (OHTN) are significant causes of vision loss.
- Understanding risk factors for OAG and elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is crucial for early detection and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate risk factors for OAG and high IOP.
- To investigate the association of systemic hypertension, its treatment, and other factors with OAG and OHTN.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study comparing OAG (n=122), ocular hypertensives (n=108), and controls (n=190).
- Data collected via standardized interviews, ophthalmologic gradings (visual fields, fundus photos), and tonometry.
- Medical history confirmed with primary care physicians; analyses used polychotomous logistic regression.
Main Results:
- Men were more likely to have OAG and less likely to have OHTN.
- Systemic hypertension was more frequent in OHTN (OR=2.36); high diastolic pressure was linked to OAG and OHTN (ORs 2.13, 2.21).
- Low perfusion pressures were associated with OAG and OHTN. Family history of glaucoma increased OAG (OR=3.08) and OHTN (OR=2.38) risk. Alcohol consumption related to OHTN (OR=2.32).
Conclusions:
- Systemic hypertension is associated with elevated IOP but not independently with OAG.
- Family history of glaucoma is a significant risk factor for both OAG and OHTN.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the complex relationship between systemic factors and glaucoma.