Don’t just take it from us that glaucoma risk increases in those who have diabetes, high blood pressure, and who are overweight. Researchers publishing in the journal Ophthalmology have found that these conditions, which together are labeled “metabolic syndrome” are all linked to the development of open-angle glaucoma.
A staggering 20% of people in America are said to have metabolic syndrome. Both metabolic syndrome and glaucoma are associated with aging, so, as the US population gets older, scientists believe that both conditions with become more prevalent.
This study included over two million adults over age 40. The study authors analyzed the results from the subjects’ eye care records to discover the correlations between metabolic syndrome and glaucoma. According to this story’s source, PCON Supersite, “Raw data showed that 1,576,993 subjects had at least one metabolic disease; 55,090 subjects had OAG.”
PCON Supersite goes on: “Adjusted data showed that subjects with diabetes alone had a 35% increased risk of developing OAG, and those with hypertension alone had a 17% increased risk. Those with diabetes and hypertension combined had a 48% risk. Those with hyperlipidemia alone had a 5% decreased risk. Obese subjects had a 14% increased risk.”
Learn more about your glaucoma risk factors.