A new study published in Ophthalmology Glaucoma suggests that statin use may elevate the risk of developing glaucoma in adults with hyperlipidemia, particularly those in their 60s. Researchers analyzed data from 79,742 participants in the 2017-2022 All of Us (AoU) research program.
Key findings:
For patients aged 60 to 69 years, statin use was significantly associated with a higher risk of glaucoma (unadjusted OR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.22-1.67; adjusted OR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.05-1.56).
Patients with high LDL-C (≥100 mg/dL) were more likely to have glaucoma (9.2% vs 7.9%; P <.001) and less likely to have access to an eye care provider (72.6% vs 75.5%; P <.001).
Statin use (fully adjusted OR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.01-1.26) and cholesterol medications use were associated with greater odds of glaucoma (fully adjusted OR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.00-1.25).
Patients who utilized statins had higher LDL-C levels compared to those who did not use cholesterol medications (144.9±45.1 vs 136.3±43.5 mg/dL; P <.001).
The researchers speculate that while statin users with high LDL-C showed higher glaucoma risk, those with optimal LDL-C were also at increased risk. They suggest that one’s lipid milieu, which is affected but not wholly determined by LDL-C levels, may play a role in glaucoma risk overall.
Limitations of the study include possible detection bias and residual confounding.
Statins are the primary treatment for reducing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). As patients age, they are more likely to experience both glaucoma and CVD.
The findings highlight the need for further research to understand the complex relationship between hypercholesterolemia, statin use, and glaucoma risk. Regular eye examinations are crucial for early detection and management of glaucoma, especially in older adults with hyperlipidemia and those taking statins.