A new study suggests that a widely used blood pressure medication, known as Calcium Channel Blockers (CCBs), may be linked to an increased risk of glaucoma, a serious eye disease that can cause vision loss if left untreated.
The research, conducted by Dr. Alan Kastner and his team from Moorfields Eye Hospital and University College London, analyzed the health records of 427,480 adults in the UK, including 33,175 people who were taking CCBs.
Even after adjusting for factors like age, lifestyle, and other health conditions, they found that people using CCBs were more likely to develop glaucoma compared to those who were not taking this type of medication. Interestingly, the same increased risk was not seen with other blood pressure drugs.
Glaucoma occurs when the optic nerve, which sends visual signals from the eye to the brain, becomes damaged. This can gradually lead to blindness if it is not detected early and treated. Most cases of glaucoma are linked to high pressure inside the eye, but this study found that some people taking CCBs developed glaucoma even with normal eye pressure.
This suggests that CCBs may affect the eyes in a different way, possibly through a mechanism that researchers do not yet fully understand.
CCBs are a type of medication commonly prescribed for high blood pressure. They work by relaxing blood vessels, which allows blood to flow more easily and lowers blood pressure.
While these medications are effective at managing blood pressure, this study raises concerns that they may also have unintended effects on eye health.
If you are taking CCBs, there is no need to panic or stop your medication. However, if you are at higher risk for glaucoma, you may want to discuss this study with your doctor or an eye specialist.
Since glaucoma often has no symptoms in its early stages, regular eye exams are essential—especially for older adults, people with a family history of glaucoma, or those with other risk factors.
Dr. Kastner’s team has called for more research to determine whether CCBs directly contribute to glaucoma, or if another underlying factor is responsible. Their findings have been published in JAMA Ophthalmology and are now being reviewed by medical professionals.
For now, this study is an important reminder of the complex ways medications can affect the body. Anyone taking long-term medication should stay informed about potential side effects and discuss any concerns with their healthcare provider.
If you care about high blood pressure, please read studies that early time-restricted eating could help improve blood pressure, and natural coconut sugar could help reduce blood pressure and artery stiffness.
For more health information, please see recent studies about added sugar in your diet linked to higher blood pressure, and results showing vitamin D could improve blood pressure in people with diabetes.
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