The Association between Metabolic Syndrome and Intraocular Pressure

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Many studies have reported that high intraocular pressure (IOP), a well-known risk factor for glaucoma and especially primary open angle glaucoma, is associated with age, sex, hypertension, diabetes mellitus and obesity. We investigated the association between IOP and metabolic syndrome (MS). METHODS: We measured IOP and MS components according to the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III and the American Heart Association and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute with modified guideline for waist circumference. High IOP was defined as > or =21 mmHg in one or both eyes. RESULTS: Looking at the components of MS in men, those with high blood pressure (BP) had significantly higher IOP. In regression analysis, fasting glucose, triglyceride, systolic BP and diastolic BP were positively, and age was negatively associated with IOP. In women, those with high fasting glucose and BP had significantly higher IOP. In regression analysis, diastolic BP, systolic BP, fasting glucose, body mass index and triglyceride were positively associated with left IOP while diastolic BP, fasting glucose and triglyceride were positively associated with right IOP. There were significantly increasing odds ratios for high IOP according to the number of components of MS. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that MS and its components are significantly associated with IOP.