A large study in the United Kingdom has found a possible connection between a common type of blood pressure medicine and a higher risk of getting glaucoma. This type of medicine is called calcium channel blockers, or CCBs. These drugs are often used to help control high blood pressure, which can lower the risk of heart disease and stroke.
The research was led by Dr. Alan Kastner and his team at Moorfields Eye Hospital and University College London. They looked at the medical records of over 427,000 people in the UK. Among these people, more than 33,000 were taking CCBs. The researchers studied many details, such as age, health conditions, and daily habits like smoking or exercise.
The results showed something surprising. People who were taking CCBs were more likely to develop glaucoma than people who were not on these drugs. This higher risk did not show up with other types of blood pressure medicine.
The connection stayed even in people who had normal pressure in their eyes, which is unusual. Normally, glaucoma is linked to high pressure inside the eye, which can harm the optic nerve and lead to vision loss. Many people with glaucoma don’t notice any symptoms until it is quite advanced.
This finding is important because CCBs are widely used around the world. The study suggests that these medicines may affect the eyes in a different way that is not related to eye pressure. Scientists do not yet fully understand how CCBs might increase the risk of glaucoma, so more research is needed.
Because of this possible risk, experts say that people taking CCBs should have regular eye check-ups. Catching glaucoma early can help prevent serious vision problems. The researchers also say that more studies are needed to understand how and why this happens.
Learning more about this connection could help doctors make better choices when treating patients with high blood pressure, especially if they have other risk factors for eye disease.
The study was published in the journal JAMA Ophthalmology. It has raised awareness about a new possible side effect of a common drug. However, it’s also important to mention that some of the researchers have ties to drug companies. This doesn’t mean the study is wrong, but it is something to think about when reading the results.
In the end, this study reminds us how important it is to talk to doctors about the side effects of any medicine. It also shows why regular check-ups, including eye exams, are a good idea—especially if you’re taking medicine for long-term conditions like high blood pressure. Early action can help stop problems before they get worse.
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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