Findings from a study recently published in the Journal of Glaucoma investigated the relationship between alcohol use and primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) in a diverse patient population.
Give me some background.
Current evidence on the association between alcohol consumption and POAG has conflicting reports, largely due to study limitations and challenges in obtaining high-quality and longitudinal data.
As a result: A research team used the diverse All of Us research program to elucidate this relationship.
- Quick refresh: The All of Us research program is a nationwide effort by the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) to recruit patients who have been historically under-represented in biomedical research.
Now talk about the study.
In this retrospective cohort study, researchers analyzed electronic health records (EHRs) and survey data from 3,876 POAG patients (52% female) in the All of Us program.
The racial and ethnic breakdown of the cohort was as follows:
- White: 1,943 (50%)
- Black: 1,152 (30%)
- Asian: 117 (3%)
- Hispanic: 584 (15%)
Findings?
Alcohol use of four or more drinks per week was significantly higher in the POAG cohort relative to controls (15% vs. 12%, P<0.001).
In addition: Diagnosed alcohol misuse was associated with higher odds of POAG (odds ratio [OR] 1.20, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.17-1.23, P<0.001).
Anything else?
Alcohol use of four or more drinks per week was also significantly associated with increased odds of POAG (OR 1.22, 95% CI 1.04-1.44, P=0.023).
Further: This dose-response relationship was observed and more pronounced in female participants, where a monthly or less frequency of alcohol use was already linked with increased odds of glaucoma (OR 1.21, 95% CI 1.002-1.46, P=0.048).
Expert opinion?
“In individuals with heavy alcohol consumption, it may be of particular importance to set up preventative and management strategies for glaucoma beyond intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction,” the study authors noted.
Take home.
These findings suggest a dose-response relationship between alcohol consumption and POAG risk, which was more pronounced in female participants.
Overall: A higher frequency of alcohol consumption was associated with an increased risk of POAG, as consuming four or more drinks per week was significantly associated with higher glaucoma risk.