Home›Ophthalmology› Rheumatic diseases linked to 66% higher glaucoma risk in pooled analysis
Rheumatic diseases linked to 66% higher glaucoma risk in pooled analysisRheumatic Diseases Linked to Higher Risk of Glaucoma
International ophthalmologyPublished October 23, 2026Study authors: Zhang Xu-Lu, Cai Yi, Zhang Zhi-QiangPubMed ↗DOI ↗Editorial oversight: Dr. Lars van Dijk, PhD · Surgical, Procedural & Diagnostic
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Key Takeaway
Consider ophthalmologic surveillance in patients with rheumatic diseases given the 66% higher relative risk of glaucoma.
This meta-analysis pooled data from studies involving 5,766,143 individuals to assess the incidence of glaucoma in people with rheumatic diseases and to compare their risk with that of the general population. The analysis included cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional study designs.
The pooled incidence of glaucoma among patients with rheumatic diseases was 4% (95% CI, 0.03-0.06; P < 0.001). Incidence varied by study design: 3% in cohort studies, 9% in case-control studies, and 8% in cross-sectional studies.
Compared with the general population, individuals with rheumatic diseases had a 66% higher risk of glaucoma (OR = 1.66; 95% CI, 1.15-2.40; P = 0.007). The authors note that this is a relative measure and that the association does not establish causality.
Limitations were not reported in the source. Safety outcomes, follow-up duration, and funding or conflicts of interest were also not reported.
The findings highlight the importance of increased ophthalmologic surveillance in patients with rheumatic diseases, though the observational nature of the evidence warrants cautious interpretation.
How this fits prior evidence
This meta-analysis extends prior coverage of glaucoma pathophysiology, which has focused on intraocular immune dysregulation, oxidative stress, and retinal ganglion cell death as drivers of disease. Those items addressed mechanisms of optic nerve damage and local treatments such as stent removal from glaucoma implants. The current analysis shifts attention to a systemic risk factor, showing a 66% higher risk of glaucoma in people with rheumatic diseases compared with the general population. It does not confirm a causal pathway but adds epidemiological support for considering rheumatic disease in glaucoma risk assessment.
A large meta-analysis looked at over 5.7 million people to see if there is a link between rheumatic diseases and glaucoma. The study compared people with these conditions to the general population to see how often glaucoma occurred in both groups.
The results showed that the incidence of glaucoma in patients with rheumatic diseases was 4%. When compared to the general population, those with rheumatic diseases had a 66% higher risk of developing glaucoma. This finding suggests a significant link between these two conditions.
Because of this link, the study suggests that people with rheumatic diseases may need more regular eye checkups. It is important to remember that this study shows a link, but it does not prove that rheumatic diseases cause glaucoma. You should talk to your doctor or an eye specialist to discuss your specific risk and the best way to monitor your eye health.
What this means for you:
People with rheumatic diseases may have a 66% higher risk of glaucoma and may benefit from regular eye exams.
Common questions
Is there a link between rheumatic diseases and glaucoma?
Yes, the study found a link between rheumatic diseases and glaucoma. People with these conditions showed a 66% higher risk of glaucoma compared to the general population. While this shows a clear connection, it does not mean that one condition directly causes the other.
How common is glaucoma in people with rheumatic diseases?
The study found that the incidence of glaucoma in patients with rheumatic diseases was 4%. This was compared against other study types, which showed rates of 3% in cohort studies, 8% in cross-sectional studies, and 9% in case-control studies.
What should I do if I have a rheumatic disease?
Because of the 66% higher risk found in this study, it is important to have regular eye checkups. You should speak with your doctor or an eye specialist to determine how often you should have your eyes examined based on your specific health needs.
PURPOSE: Some studies suggest that rheumatic diseases (RD) may be associated with the development of glaucoma; however, findings remain inconsistent. We therefore conducted a meta-analysis to estimate the incidence of glaucoma and assess its risk among patients with RD, to inform evidence-based diagnostic decision-making.
METHODS: Following a pre-registered PROSPERO protocol (CRD42024604067), we performed a systematic search of PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Embase. Pooled incidence estimates, odds ratios (ORs), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using RevMan 5.4 and STATA 15.0.
RESULTS: Eighteen studies comprising 5,766,143 participants were included. RD was significantly associated with glaucoma. The pooled incidence of glaucoma among patients with RD was 4% (rate = 0.04; 95% CI, 0.03-0.06; P < 0.001). By study design, incidence/prevalence estimates were 3% in cohort studies, 9% in case-control studies, and 8% in cross-sectional studies. Compared with the general population, individuals with RD have a 66% higher risk of developing glaucoma (OR = 1.66; 95% CI, 1.15-2.40; P = 0.007).
CONCLUSION: Both the incidence and risk of glaucoma are elevated in patients with RD. These findings highlight the importance of increased ophthalmologic surveillance in this population.
