Risk factors of primary open-angle glaucoma: the first case-control hospital-based study in Vietnam

Abstract Purpose: To identify risk factors for primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) in a Vietnamese population. Methods: A matched case-control study was conducted at Vietnam National Institute of Ophthalmology. Cases were patients clinically diagnosed with POAG. Controls were caregivers of patients with other eye diseases, free from any ocular and systemic abnormalities, and were selected and then matched with the cases by gender and age. Cases and controls were examined by a glaucoma specialist to confirm presence or absence of POAG. Data on demographic, ophthalmic and medical conditions were collected via interview at time of examination. Associations between POAG and potential factors were examined by univariate conditional logistic regression analysis (OR – Odd Ratios) and multivariate conditional logistic regression (AOR – Adjusted Odd Ratios) with level of significance is 0.05. Results: In total, 128 cases with POAG and 128 controls were recruited. Multivariate conditional (fixed-effects) logistic regression analysis resulted in several significant risk factors, including hypertension AOR =4.7 (95% CI: 1.8–12.0; p=0.002); family history of glaucoma AOR = 6.4 (95% CI: 1.3 – 32.2; p = 0.026); over–the–counter eye medication AOR = 3.1 (95% CI: 1.5 – 6.5; p = 0.006), and a protective role for marriage AOR = 0.2 (95% CI: 0.1 – 0.7; p = 0.006) and weekly exercise AOR = 0.3 (95% CI: 0.1 – 0.8; p = 0.021). Conclusions: Hypertension, family history of glaucoma and over–the–counter eye medication were risk factors while marriage and weekly exercise were protective factors for POAG in Vietnamese population.