Risk factors for previously undiagnosed primary open-angle glaucoma: the EPIC-Norfolk Eye Study

• Published in: British journal of ophthalmology Vol. 106; no. 12; pp. 1684 - 1688
• Main Authors: Chan, Michelle P Y, Khawaja, Anthony P, Broadway, David C, Yip, Jennifer, Luben, Robert, Hayat, Shabina, Peto, Tunde, Khaw, Kay-Tee, Foster, Paul J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMA House, Tavistock Square, London, WC1H 9JR BMJ Publishing Group Ltd 25.06.2021; BMJ Publishing Group LTD; BMJ Publishing Group
• Subjects: Asymmetry; Blood pressure; Cataracts; Clinical Science; Contact lenses; Cornea; epidemiology; Eye surgery; Eyes & eyesight; Family medical history; Glaucoma; Risk factors; Self report; Social classes; Socioeconomic factors; United Kingdom > UK; United States > US; epidemiology; glaucoma
• ISSN: 0007-1161; 1468-2079
• DOI: 10.1136/bjophthalmol-2020-317718

Background and aimUndiagnosed glaucoma is an invisible but important public health issue. At least half of glaucoma cases are estimated to be undiagnosed in western populations. The aim of this study is to examine risk factors for previously undiagnosed primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).DesignCross-sectional study within the European Prospective Investigation of Cancer-Norfolk Eye Study, a large-scale cohort study in the UK.Participants314 study participants with POAG in either eye.MethodsLogistic regression was used to examine associations with previously undiagnosed POAG compared with previously diagnosed POAG. The factors examined included sociodemographic, ocular, physical and economic factors that could be barriers to eye care access.Results217 participants had previously diagnosed POAG and 107 participants were newly diagnosed with POAG during the study. After adjusting for covariables, the factors significantly associated with previously undiagnosed POAG were: a lower pretreatment intraocular pressure (IOP) (OR 0.71/mm Hg, 95% CI 0.63 to 0.80, p<0.0001), and to have reported no problems with their eyesight (OR 0.03, 95% CI 0.01 to 0.10, p<0.0001).ConclusionsThe risk factors for previously undiagnosed POAG identified in this study highlight the over-reliance on IOP level in glaucoma screening and the risk of missing glaucoma among lower IOP cases. It also suggests a role in improving glaucoma awareness in the community.