Glaucoma diagnosis linked to decline in mental health, study finds

Receiving a diagnosis of early primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) may negatively affect a patient’s mental health, according to a study.

Researchers analyzed data from 50 participants with ocular hypertension who later developed POAG, comparing their mental health scores, measured using the National Eye Institute’s Visual Function Questionnaire-25 (VFQ-25), before and after diagnosis. There was a significant drop in mental health scores following diagnosis, with an average decrease of 6.5 points. In contrast, a matched control group of 100 patients with ocular hypertension who did not develop POAG showed virtually no change in their scores. The difference in mental health score changes between the groups was found to be statistically significant.

The authors conclude by calling for the development of patient-centered communication strategies that reduce anxiety and emotional burden.

Reference
Gordon MO, Gao F, Burkland J, et al; Ocular Hypertension Treatment Study Group. Diagnosis of Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma and Mental Health Status. JAMA Ophthalmol. 2025;e251374. doi: 10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2025.1374. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40471560; PMCID: PMC12142470.