General Health, Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome as an independent risk factor for glaucoma: A nationally representative study

A new study in Diabetology & Metabolic Syndrome has investigated the link between metabolic syndrome and the risk of developing primary open-angle glaucoma, a condition characterized by the gradual loss of retinal ganglion cells and optic nerve degeneration, eventually leading to irreversible vision loss.

Analyzing data from the 2019-2021 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, encompassing 11,499 adults aged 19 years and above, the researchers categorized participants into groups based on the presence or absence of metabolic syndrome. Findings revealed a notable dose-response relationship between the number of metabolic syndrome components a person had and their risk of developing primary open-angle glaucoma.

Consequently, the study suggests that people with metabolic syndrome, who are at a heightened risk of primary open-angle glaucoma, especially normal-tension glaucoma, should undergo comprehensive ophthalmological evaluations as a preventive measure.