Systemic hypertension as a risk factor for open-angle glaucoma: A meta-analysis of population-based studies

Conclusions: Systemic hypertension increases the risk for developing OAG, especially in those with HTG.

Results: This meta-analysis included 16 studies involving 60,084 individuals, with substantial homogeneity among the studies. The pooled OR for OAG was 1.22 (95% confidence interval, CI: 1.09-1.36) using the fixed-effects model and 1.22 (95% CI: 1.08-1.37) using the random-effects model in all included studies. For subgroup analyses, the pooled OR for hightension glaucoma (HTG) was higher than that for normal-tension glaucoma (NTG) (OR=1.92 and 0.94, respectively). No significant difference was detected between Asian and Western populations, and no publication bias was detected in either analysis.

Background/Aims: Systemic hypertension is thought to increase the risk for developing open-angle glaucoma (OAG) through several mechanisms. However, previous epidemiological studies have shown conflicting results regarding this potential association. We systematically evaluated this issue by conducting a meta-analysis of population-based studies.

Methods:A comprehensive search for articles published before 31 March 2014 was performed using PubMed, Embase, and reference lists. The pooled odds ratio (OR) was calculated using the fixed- and random-effects models, and meta-regression was performed according to age. Subgroup analyses were also conducted, and publication bias was assessed using a funnel plot and Egger's regression test.