Korean researchers have added to the growing body of evidence suggesting patients with diabetes are at an increased risk of open-angle glaucoma (OAG). They studied roughly 500, 000 adults ages for 40 years and older from the Korean National Health Insurance Service National Health Screening Cohort. In matching the nondiabetes group 1:1 to the diabetes group using a propensity score based on age, sex, comorbidities, antihypertensive medication use and medical care visits, they found the incidence of OAG was 20.0/10,000 person-years in diabetes group and 17.0/10,000 person-years in nondiabetes group.¹

In addition, diabetes was associated with an increased risk of OAG in both younger and older age groups, as well as both sexes.¹

“In contrast to previous longitudinal studies that focus only on female patients, the current paper included both male and female patients,” said Joseph M Ortiz, MD, in a PracticeUpdate commentary. “The authors’ accomplished work is an added incentive for clinicians to be vigilant of diabetic patients with a family history of glaucoma.”²