Significant intraocular pressure associated with open-angle glaucoma: Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2010-2011

OBJECTIVES: To investigate significant intraocular pressure (IOP) levels associated with the risk of open-angle glaucoma (OAG) in the treatment-naïve Korean population. METHODS: Participants ≥20 years of age in Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2010–2011 were divided into two groups, those with higher and lower IOP values, compared with the reference IOP value. We compared the risk of OAG in each group using regression analyses. The IOP value that yielded the highest statistical significance was determined as an IOP significantly associated with the OAG risk. RESULTS: A total of 7,650 participants (7,292 control, 358 OAG) were included. The mean IOP was significantly higher in OAG group (14.4 ± 2.9 mmHg), compared to control group (13.9 ± 2.7 mmHg, P = 0.022). In association with an increased risk of OAG, the significant IOP value was 18 mmHg (Odds ratio [OR] = 1.79, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.14–2.80, P = 0.011). Additionally, sex-difference was identified and they were 19 mmHg (OR = 2.79, 95% CI 1.27–6.16, P = 0.011) in men and 18 mmHg (OR = 2.65, 95% CI 1.32–5.33, P = 0.006) in women. The IOP values associated with significantly decreased risk of glaucoma were determined to be 14 mmHg in men (OR = 0.68, 95% CI 0.47–0.99, P = 0.042) and 16 mmHg in women (OR = 0.47, 95% CI 0.27–0.81, P = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: In consideration of the risk to benefit ratio, the reference IOP level for screening or setting the target IOP for treatment could be considered different from traditional 21 mmHg in Korean population.