A new study suggests that a common type of blood pressure medication, known as Calcium Channel Blockers (CCBs), might increase the risk of developing glaucoma, an eye disease that can lead to vision loss.
What the Study Found
The research, led by Dr. Alan Kastner and his team at Moorfields Eye Hospital and University College London, analyzed the health records of 427,480 adults in the U.K. Among them, 33,175 people were taking CCBs to manage their blood pressure.
After considering factors like age, lifestyle, and other medical conditions, the researchers discovered that people taking CCBs were more likely to have glaucoma. Surprisingly, other types of blood pressure medicine did not show the same risk.
Another key finding was that even though eye pressure remained normal, people taking CCBs had specific changes in their eyes that are usually seen in early-stage glaucoma. This suggests that CCBs might be affecting eye health in a way that doesn’t involve the usual increase in eye pressure.
Why This Matters
Millions of people around the world rely on blood pressure medication to reduce their risk of heart disease, stroke, and other serious health problems. CCBs work by relaxing blood vessels, making it easier for blood to flow and lowering blood pressure.
At the same time, glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide. The disease occurs when damage to the optic nerve leads to gradual vision loss. In most cases, this happens because of increased pressure inside the eye.
However, the new study raises concerns because the glaucoma risk remained even when eye pressure was normal. This suggests there might be another, less understood way that CCBs could be affecting eye health.
Why Glaucoma Is Dangerous
One of the biggest challenges with glaucoma is that it often has no symptoms in its early stages. Many people don’t realize they have it until they’ve already lost some vision. And once vision is lost, it cannot be restored.
This is why regular eye exams are so important, especially for people who may be at higher risk—such as older adults, those with a family history of glaucoma, and now, possibly, people taking CCBs.
What Should You Do?
If you take CCBs for blood pressure, there’s no need to panic. The study does not prove that these drugs directly cause glaucoma. More research is needed to understand why this link exists and whether changes to treatment are necessary.
However, if you are taking CCBs, especially if you have a higher risk of glaucoma, it may be worth discussing these findings with your doctor. They can help assess your risk and determine whether any changes should be made to your treatment plan.
What’s Next?
The study’s authors have called for further research to confirm their findings and explore the reasons behind the potential link between CCBs and glaucoma. In the meantime, patients and doctors should remain informed and cautious.
This research was published in JAMA Ophthalmology.
If you care about eye health, please read studies about how vitamin B may help fight vision loss, and MIND diet may reduce risk of vision loss disease.
For more information about eye disease, please see recent studies about how to protect your eyes from glaucoma, and results showing this eye surgery may reduce dementia risk.
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