A new study has raised concerns that a popular type of blood pressure medicine may increase the risk of glaucoma, a serious eye disease that can lead to vision loss.
The medicine in question is called Calcium Channel Blockers, or CCBs for short. These drugs are widely used to help people manage high blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels and improving blood flow.
The study was carried out by Dr. Alan Kastner and his research team at Moorfields Eye Hospital and University College London. They looked at the health records of more than 427,000 adults in the UK. Out of these, over 33,000 people were taking CCBs.
When researchers compared the people taking CCBs to those who were not, they found something surprising: people who used CCBs were more likely to develop glaucoma, even after accounting for other factors like age, lifestyle, and other medical problems.
Glaucoma is a disease that damages the optic nerve, which carries messages from the eye to the brain. If left untreated, it can lead to gradual vision loss and even blindness. Often, glaucoma is linked to high pressure inside the eye.
But in this study, some people who were taking CCBs developed glaucoma even though their eye pressure was normal. This suggests that CCBs might be affecting the eyes in a different way—possibly through a mechanism scientists don’t fully understand yet.
This finding is especially important because CCBs are so commonly used. Millions of people around the world rely on them to control high blood pressure. The researchers did not find the same risk with other types of blood pressure drugs, which makes the connection between CCBs and glaucoma worth exploring further.
If you are currently taking a CCB, you don’t need to stop your medication. These drugs are effective at lowering blood pressure and preventing heart attacks and strokes.
However, if you have a higher risk of developing glaucoma—such as being over 60, having a family history of the disease, or being of African or Asian descent—it might be a good idea to talk with your doctor or an eye specialist. They can help you decide whether any changes are needed and whether you should get more frequent eye checks.
Glaucoma is often called the “silent thief of sight” because it usually has no symptoms until the disease has already caused damage. That’s why regular eye exams are so important, especially for people in higher-risk groups. Early detection can make a big difference and help prevent serious vision problems.
Dr. Kastner and his team have asked for more research to better understand the link between CCBs and glaucoma. They want to find out if these medications are directly causing the problem or if something else is going on. Their study was published in JAMA Ophthalmology and is now being reviewed by experts in the medical field.
This research is a reminder that even well-known and widely used medicines can have unexpected side effects. It’s always a good idea to stay informed and to talk with your doctor about any new research that might affect your health. Being proactive about your health—including your vision—can help you avoid problems in the future.
If you care about blood pressure, please read studies about why checking blood pressure while lying down is very important and lowering top blood pressure number to less than 120 mm Hg effectively prevents heart disease.
For more about blood pressure, please read studies that turmeric and vitamin D may boost blood pressure control in type 2 diabetes and scientists find link between blood pressure drugs and bowel diseases.
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