Association of intraocular pressure with the metabolic syndrome and novel cardiometabolic risk factors.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: This study aimed to investigate the association of intraocular pressure (IOP) with the metabolic syndrome and other emerging cardiometabolic risk factors. METHODS: A total of 1112 participants undergoing a health check-up in a community hospital were recruited. All participants underwent ophthalmological examination including IOP measurement. RESULTS: Participants with metabolic syndrome had significantly higher IOP than those without metabolic syndrome (mean IOP+/-SD 15.07+/-2.74 vs 14.29+/-2.72 mm Hg, P=2x10(-4)). Each additional component of the metabolic syndrome was associated with a mean increase in IOP of 0.33 mm Hg (95% confidence interval 0.18-0.48, trend P<0.0001). Other insulin resistance-related features, including hepatic steatosis, increased left ventricular mass, and proteinuria, were also associated with IOP (P<0.0001, 0.002, and 0.01, respectively). However, we did not find significant association of plasma apolipoprotein A, apolipoprotein B1, homocysteine, or highly sensitive C-reactive protein levels with IOP. IOP was also not associated with measures of subclinical atherosclerosis including brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity, ankle-brachial index, and vertebral artery flow. CONCLUSION: Metabolic syndrome and other insulin resistance-related features, including hepatic steatosis, increased left ventricular mass, and proteinuria, are strongly associated with IOP.