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Abstract #15337 Published in IGR 1-3
High intraocular pressure and survival: the Framingham studies
Hiller R; Podgor MJ; Sperduto RD; Wilson PWF; Chew EY; D'Agostino RBAmerican Journal of Ophthalmology 1999; 128: 440-445
PURPOSE: To examine whether high intraocular pressure (greater than or equal to 25 mmHg) or a history of treatment for glaucoma is associated with decreased survival and, if so, how such ocular markers might be explained. METHODS: Eye examinations, including applanation tonometry, were conducted on members of the Framingham Eye Study cohort from February 1st, 1973, to February 1st, 1975. Participants who reported a history of treatment for glaucoma were identified. Survival data, including information on the date of death, were available from the time of the Eye Study through March 31st, 1990. RESULTS: Of the 1764 persons under the age of 70 years at the baseline eye examination, 1421 persons had low intraocular pressure ( < =20 mmHg), 264 persons had medium intraocular pressure levels (20-24 mmHg), and 79 persons had high intraocular pressure (>=25 mmHg) or a history of glaucoma treatment. During the follow-up period, 29%, 30%, and 47% died in the groups with low, medium, and high intraocular pressure (or history of glaucoma treatment), respectively. In an age-and-sex adjusted Cox proportional hazards analysis, the death rate ratio for the group with medium intraocular pressure relative to the group with low intraocular pressure was 1.04. The corresponding death rate ratio for the group with high intraocular pressure was 1.56 with a 95% confidence interval of 1.11-2.19 (p<0.001). After adjustment for age, sex, hypertension, diabetes, cigarette smoking, and body mass index, a positive relationship remained, but at a borderline level of significance (p=0.075). CONCLUSIONS: High intraocular pressure or the presence of glaucoma is a marker for decreased life expectancy in the Framingham Eye Study cohort. The relationship is present even after adjustment for risk factors known to be associated with higher mortality such as age, sex, hypertension, diabetes, cigarette smoking, and body mass index. Special attention to the general health status of patients with high intraocular pressure or glaucoma seems warranted.
Dr. R. Hiller, Division of Biometry and Epidemiology, National Eye Institute, 31 Center Drive MSC 2510, Boston, MD 20892-2510; USA
Classification:
1.4 Quality of life (Part of: 1 General aspects)
