Abstract
Purpose :
Glaucoma can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life, often resulting in depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions, but it is unclear if the age of glaucoma diagnosis can further influence the risk of mental illness. This study examined associations between age of glaucoma diagnosis and prevalence of mental health conditions in the National Institutes of Health "All of Us" (AoU) Research Program.
Methods :
Participants from AoU with mental health conditions data in the “Medical History” survey were included. The age of glaucoma diagnosis and presence of mental health conditions were determined based on responses to the "Medical History " survey. Age of glaucoma diagnosis was categorized as “Child” (0-17 years old),” “Adult (18-64 years old),” “Older Adult (65-74 years old),” and “Elderly (75 years and older).” There were 13 mental health conditions included, which were grouped as (1) any mental health condition, (2) depression and anxiety, and (3) substance use. Associations between age of glaucoma diagnosis and mental health conditions were assessed using multivariable logistic regression models controlling for sex at birth, age, race and ethnicity, income, education, and health literacy.
Results :
Of 132,197 individuals in the study population, 5,362 (4.1%) had glaucoma and 57,919 (43.8%) had a history of at least one mental health condition. Those who identified as White (73.9%; p=0.004) and female (66.2%; p<0.001) were more likely to have a history of at least one mental health condition when compared to non-White individuals and males, respectively. Mental health conditions were more likely in those diagnosed with glaucoma during childhood (OR: 1.79, 95% CI: 1.12-2.91) and as older adults (OR: 1.34, 95% CI: 1.24-1.46). Further, those diagnosed as older adults had higher odds of depression and anxiety (OR: 1.37, 95% CI: 1.26-1.49) as well as substance use (OR: 1.48, 95% CI: 1.16-1.86) compared to those without glaucoma.
Conclusions :
Individuals diagnosed with glaucoma during childhood or as older adults had increased odds of mental health conditions. Among those diagnosed as older adults, the risk of depression, anxiety, and substance use was also higher. Future research should focus on age-specific psychological screening and referrals in those diagnosed with glaucoma to mitigate the effect of mental health conditions in this population.
This abstract was presented at the 2024 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Seattle, WA, May 5-9, 2024.