The Association Between Glaucoma, Anxiety, and Depression in a Large Population.

PURPOSE

To investigate the association between glaucoma and each of anxiety and depression.

DESIGN

Retrospective case-control study.

METHODS

Settings: University of North Carolina hospitals and outpatient clinics.

STUDY POPULATION

All patients over the age of 18 years seen between July 1, 2008 and October 1, 2015 were included.

OBSERVATION PROCEDURE

International Classification of Diseases codes were used to identify cases of glaucoma, as well as anxiety and depression.

OUTCOME MEASURE

Odds ratios (OR) were calculated for glaucoma and each of anxiety and depression. OR were also calculated for above diagnoses separated by age group and sex.

RESULTS

A total of 4 439 518 patients were screened, of which 11 234 (0.3%) have glaucoma, 96 527 (2.2%) have anxiety, and 103 476 (2.3%) have depression. The adjusted OR was 10.6 (95% confidence interval [CI] 10.0-11.0) for glaucoma and anxiety and 12.3 (95% CI 11.8-12.9) for glaucoma and depression. The likelihood of having anxiety and depression along with glaucoma did not change with age (P = .088, P = .736).

CONCLUSION

There was a statistically significant association between glaucoma and each of anxiety and depression.