Risk factors associated with elevated intraocular pressure: a population-based study in a rural community of Bangladesh

• Published in: BMJ open ophthalmology Vol. 8; no. 1; p. e001386
• Main Authors: Sharfuddin Ahmed, Md, Ullah, ABM Yasin, Barman, Nilima, Ratan, Zubair Ahmed, Mostafa, Subarna, Khaleque, Abdul, Kabir, Showkat, Khan, Maruf Haque, Haque, M Atiqul
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London BMJ Publishing Group Ltd 01.10.2023; BMJ Publishing Group LTD; BMJ Publishing Group
• Series: Original research
• Subjects: Biomass energy; Blood pressure; Body mass index; Chronic illnesses; Community; Diabetes; Disease; Education; Educational attainment; Epidemiology; Family medical history; Glaucoma; Hyperglycemia; Hypertension; Intraocular pressure; Marital status; Obesity; Older people; Population-based studies; Prevention; Response rates; Risk factors; Rural areas; Sociodemographics; Socioeconomic factors; Surveillance; Variables; Bangladesh; Japan
• ISSN: 2397-3269; 2397-3269
• DOI: 10.1136/bmjophth-2023-001386

ObjectiveHigh intraocular pressure (IOP) is one of the major modifiable risk factors for glaucoma. The objective was to examine socio-demographic and clinical factors related to IOP.Methods and analysisThis study was conducted among 3097 adults residing in a rural area of Bangladesh, with all participants undergoing clinical and ophthalmological evaluations. The measurement of IOP was carried out using of a rebound Tonometer called Icare pro. Multiple logistic regression analysis was employed to identify variables associated to IOP levels of 21 mm Hg or above. Adjusted OR (aOR) and 95% CI were reported.ResultsThis study found that, in total, 9% of the study population had high IOP in one or both eyes. Elevated IOP was significantly associated with respondents who were service holders (aOR 2.52; 95% CI 1.48 to 4.31), had a lower education level (aOR 1.55, 95% CI 1.07 to 2.23), used biomass fuel (aOR 2.00; 95% CI 1.09 to 3.67), belonged to a higher socioeconomic position (aOR 1.55, 95% CI 1.07 to 2.23) and had obesity (aOR 2.00; 95% CI 1.07 to 3.73), hypertension (aOR 1.32; 95% CI 1.01 to 1.73) or history of diabetes (aOR 2.44; 95% CI 1.67 to 3.55), after adjusting for covariates including age, sex, marital status, light source and tobacco consumption, in a multiple regression analysis.ConclusionChronic diseases, such as hypertension and diabetes, obesity and sociodemographic characteristics such as high socioeconomic status and use of biomass fuels, have all been linked to elevated IOP. Patients with chronic diseases should undergo for IOP testing regularly.