Association between rheumatic diseases and glaucoma risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 5.7 million individuals.

Authors

Xu-Lu Zhang, Yi Cai, Zhi-Qiang Zhang

Published in

International ophthalmology. Volume 46. Issue 1. Oct 21, 2026. Epub Oct 21, 2026.

Abstract

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.
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.
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).
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.

PMID:
42907678
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 23 Oct 2026.

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