Risk factors for undergoing surgery in patients with newly diagnosed open-angle glaucoma

Despite the clinical importance of glaucoma surgery, studies on its prevalence and risk factors are limited. We analyzed a database comprising approximately 1,000,000 Korean residents to investigate the prevalence and risk factors for undergoing glaucoma surgery within 5 years of diagnosis with open-angle glaucoma. Of the 4,303 patients evaluated, 226 (5.3%) underwent glaucoma surgery. Factors associated with the likelihood of glaucoma surgery included the use of two or more eye drops (odds ratio [OR], 30.30; 95% confidence interval [CI], 10.95–83.84), intake of oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitor (OR, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.23–2.61), age > 55 years (55–65 years: OR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.06–2.76; > 65 years: OR 1.72; 95% CI, 1.10–2.70), female sex (OR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.10–1.94), middle- and high-income (OR, 2.36; 95% CI, 1.30–4.28, OR, 1.86; 95% CI, 1.03–3.35, respectively), and metropolitan residence (OR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.14–2.26). Our nomogram for predicting the likelihood of glaucoma surgery showed an acceptable result. In conclusion, older age, female sex, and the intensity of intraocular pressure lowering treatment increased the likelihood of undergoing glaucoma surgery. Our findings indicated that a lower socioeconomic status may forestall receiving this necessary surgery, which requires further attention.