International ophthalmology
Association between rheumatic diseases and glaucoma risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 5.7 million individuals
By Zhang XL, Cai Y and Zhang ZQ.
Abstract
Purpose
Some studies suggest that rheumatic diseases (RD) may be associated with the development of glaucoma; however, findings remain inconsistent. We therefore conducted a meta-analysis to estimate the incidence of glaucoma and assess its risk among patients with RD, to inform evidence-based diagnostic decision-making.
Methods
Following a pre-registered PROSPERO protocol (CRD42024604067), we performed a systematic search of PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Embase. Pooled incidence estimates, odds ratios (ORs), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using RevMan 5.4 and STATA 15.0.
Results
Eighteen studies comprising 5,766,143 participants were included. RD was significantly associated with glaucoma. The pooled incidence of glaucoma among patients with RD was 4% (rate = 0.04; 95% CI, 0.03-0.06; P < 0.001). By study design, incidence/prevalence estimates were 3% in cohort studies, 9% in case-control studies, and 8% in cross-sectional studies. Compared with the general population, individuals with RD have a 66% higher risk of developing glaucoma (OR = 1.66; 95% CI, 1.15-2.40; P = 0.007).