Glaucoma, a condition affecting the eyes, affects approximately 80 million people worldwide. It’s often referred to as “the silent thief of sight” due to its ability to go undetected until it causes significant vision loss.
A recent study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology has found an unexpected link between high levels of HDL cholesterol and increased glaucoma risk. Researchers analyzed data from over 400,000 participants aged 40-69 in the UK Biobank Study, who had their fat levels measured and health tracked for 14 years.
Contrary to expectations, those with higher amounts of HDL cholesterol were found to be 10% more likely to develop glaucoma. In contrast, individuals with high LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, and triglycerides levels had a reduced risk of developing the condition. Specifically, participants with the highest levels of LDL cholesterol were 8% less likely to develop glaucoma.
However, experts have expressed caution regarding these findings, citing concerns about the accuracy of the study’s data and the complexity of the relationship between HDL cholesterol and glaucoma. Neuro-ophthalmologist Alexander Solomon notes that treatments for glaucoma focus on slowing disease progression, making early detection crucial.
Cardiologist Yu-Ming Ni agrees that more research is needed to understand this potential link. He suggests that a clinical trial is necessary to confirm whether high HDL cholesterol increases the risk of glaucoma and emphasizes the importance of a balanced approach to heart health, rather than focusing solely on ideal HDL levels.
While these findings are intriguing, it’s essential to approach them with caution and consider multiple factors when assessing individual risks.
Source: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/too-much-good-cholesterol-increase-glaucoma-risk-over-55s