A New Era of Ophthalmology Leadership? A Descriptive and Comparative Analysis of Ophthalmology Department Chairs in 2024.

PURPOSE: To (1) characterize and analyze the demographics and scholarly achievements of United States (US) academic ophthalmology department chairs, and (2) to elucidate trends in the academic and demographic profiles of newly hired department chairs. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: none SETTING: Online search of publicly available resources conducted January 1, 2024. PATIENT OR STUDY POPULATION: 107 ophthalmology chairs of accredited US departments. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Department chair demographic and academic data. RESULTS: Of the 107 chairs analyzed, 83% (89/107) are male. The mean age of chairs is 60.9 ± 7.9 years and the mean age at appointment is 51.9 ± 7.6 years. There has been significant turnover in department chairs recently, with 47 (44%, 47/107) chairs newly appointed in the past seven years. Approximately 40% (41/107) of current chairs completed at least one component of their medical training at the program where they are currently chair. Approximately 1/3 (31%, 33/107) of current chairs earned an additional graduate degree, most frequently a PhD (16%, 17/107), MBA (8%, 10/107), and MS (4%, 8/107). More than 96% (103/107) of chairs completed a clinical fellowship, often in vitreoretinal surgery (28%, 30/107), cornea (25%, 27/107), or glaucoma (22%, 24/107). The average number of peer-reviewed publications amongst chairs is 214.9 ± 294.7 (range 0-1901), and the mean h-index is 35.0 ± 25.4 (range 0-147). When comparing profiles of newly appointed chairs in the past 7 years to chairs appointed prior to 2017, there was not a statistically significant difference in gender distribution (21% female vs. 13% female, respectively, p = 0.276). Newly hired chairs were significantly older at the time of their appointment to chair (54 years vs. 50 years, respectively, p = 0.008) and averaged significantly more years from residency completion to appointment as chair (23 years vs. 19 years, respectively, p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Ophthalmology department chairs remain predominantly fellowship-trained males who have frequently trained at the institution they currently chair. Newly hired chairs have accumulated more experience prior to their appointment, starting the role later in their careers, with implications for the frequency of future chair turnover. While females compose a higher proportion of newly hired chairs in the past 7 years compared to prior, females remain underrepresented in ophthalmology chair positions.

Associations between Statin Use and Glaucoma in the All of Us Research Program.

PURPOSE: To investigate associations between statin use and glaucoma in the 2017 to 2022 All of Us (AoU) Research Program. DESIGN: Cross-sectional, population-based. PARTICIPANTS: 79 742 adult participants aged ≥40 years with hyperlipidemia and with electronic health record (EHR) data in the AoU database. METHODS: Hyperlipidemia, glaucoma status, and statin use were defined by diagnoses and medication information in EHR data collected by AoU. Logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association between statin use and glaucoma likelihood. Logistic regression modeling was used to examine associations between glaucoma and all covariates included in adjusted analysis. Serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) was used to assess hyperlipidemia severity. Analyses stratified by LDL-C level and age were performed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Any glaucoma as defined by International Classification of Diseases codes found in EHR data. RESULTS: Of 79 742 individuals with hyperlipidemia in AoU, there were 6365 (8.0%) statin users. Statin use was associated with increased glaucoma prevalence when compared with statin nonuse (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.13, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01-1.26). Higher serum levels of LDL-C were associated with increased odds of glaucoma (aOR: 1.003, 95% CI: 1.003, 1.004). Statin users had significantly higher LDL-C levels compared to nonusers (144.9 mg/dL versus 136.3 mg/dL, P value < 0.001). Analysis stratified by LDL-C identified positive associations between statin use and prevalence of glaucoma among those with optimal (aOR = 1.39, 95% CI = 1.05-1.82) and high (aOR = 1.37, 95% CI = 1.09-1.70) LDL-C levels. Age-stratified analysis showed a positive association between statin use and prevalence of glaucoma in individuals aged 60 to 69 years (aOR = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.05-1.56). CONCLUSIONS: Statin use was associated with increased glaucoma likelihood in the overall adult AoU population with hyperlipidemia, in individuals with optimal or high LDL-C levels, and in individuals 60 to 69 years old. Findings suggest that statin use may be an independent risk factor for glaucoma, which may furthermore be affected by one's lipid profile and age. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES: Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

Comparison of Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer and Ganglion Cell Complex Rates of Change in Patients With Moderate to Advanced Glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To compare ganglion cell complex (GCC) and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) rates of change (RoC) in eyes with central or moderate to advanced glaucoma. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 918 matched macular and RNFL OCT scan pairs from 109 eyes (109 patients) enrolled in the Advanced Glaucoma Progression Study with ≥2 years of follow-up and ≥4 OCT scans. METHODS: We exported GCC and RNFL thickness measurements in 49 central macular superpixels and 12 RNFL clock-hour sectors, respectively. We applied our latest Bayesian hierarchical longitudinal model to estimate population and subject-specific baseline thickness (intercepts) and rates of change (RoC) in macular superpixels and RNFL sectors. Global RNFL and GCC RoC were analyzed in a single bivariate longitudinal model to properly compare them accounting for the correlation between their RoC. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Proportion of significant negative (deteriorating) and positive (improving) RoC expressed in µm/year. Standardized RoC were calculated by dividing RoC by the corresponding population SD. Analyses were repeated in eyes with visual field mean deviation (MD) ≤-6 and > -6 dB. RESULTS: Average (SD) 24-2 visual field MD and follow-up length were -8.6 (6.3) dB and 4.2 (0.5) years, respectively. Global RNFL RoC (-0.70 µm/year) were faster than GCC (-0.44 µm/year) (P < .001); corresponding normalized RoC were not significantly different (P = .052). In bivariate analysis, patients with a significant negative global RNFL RoC (n = 63, 57%) or GCC (n = 56, 51%) frequently did so for both outcomes (n = 49, 45%). The average proportion of significantly decreasing RNFL sectors within an eye was 30.7% in eyes with MD > -6 dB compared to 20.5% in those with MD ≤ -6 dB (P = .014); the proportions for GCC superpixels were 21.1% versus 18.7%, respectively (P = .63). CONCLUSIONS: Both GCC and RNFL measures can detect structural progression in glaucoma patients with central damage or moderate to advanced glaucoma. The clinical utility of RNFL imaging decreases with worsening severity of glaucoma.

Association of Open-Angle Glaucoma With Dementia in California Medicare Beneficiaries.

PURPOSE: To examine the associations between open-angle glaucoma (OAG) subtypes and dementia in 2019 California Medicare beneficiaries. DESIGN: Retrospective cross-sectional study. METHODS: OAG diagnosis was determined by the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10), diagnosis codes in part B claims, including the following OAG subtypes: primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), normal tension glaucoma (NTG), pseudoexfoliative glaucoma (PXG), and pigmentary glaucoma (PG). Diagnoses of any dementia, Alzheimer dementia (AD), frontotemporal dementia (FTD), Lewy body dementia (LBD), and vascular dementia (VD) were identified by ICD-10 diagnosis codes. Covariates included demographics, systemic diseases, depression, hearing loss, obesity, smoking and alcohol-related disorders, and long-term aspirin, anticoagulant, and antithrombotic or antiplatelet use. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess the associations between OAG and dementia, adjusting for all covariates. Age-stratified analysis was also performed for beneficiaries aged 65-74 years, 75-84 years, and ≥85 years. RESULTS: Among the 2,431,150 California Medicare beneficiaries included in this study, 104,873 (4.3%) had POAG, 9199 (0.4%) had NTG, 4045 (0.2%) had PXG, and 1267 (0.05%) had PG. The overall prevalence of any dementia was 3.2% (n = 79,009). In adjusted analyses, the odds of any dementia were lower for beneficiaries with all OAG subtypes compared with beneficiaries without glaucoma (odds ratio [OR] = 0.74 for POAG, OR = 0.74 for PXG, OR = 0.60 for NTG, and OR = 0.38 for PG; P < .01). In age-stratified analyses, beneficiaries with PXG had greater odds of VD (OR 2.84, P = .006; aOR 2.18, P = .04) in the youngest age stratum (65-74 years) compared to patients with no glaucoma. The odds for any dementia were lower for beneficiaries with all OAG subtypes compared to beneficiaries without glaucoma in the oldest, but not in the youngest, age stratum. CONCLUSIONS: In the 2019 California Medicare population, PXG is associated with an increased likelihood of VD in beneficiaries 65-74 years old, whereas other subtypes of POAG are associated with a decreased likelihood of any dementia. These findings may suggest selection bias because older adults who continue to follow up with glaucoma care may be more cognitively intact. Further studies are needed to better understand the complex relationship between glaucoma, dementia, and their subtypes.

Racial and Ethnic Differences in the Prevalence and Treatment Patterns for Neovascular Glaucoma in the American Academy of Ophthalmology IRIS® Registry.

PURPOSE: To examine racial and ethnic differences in the prevalence and treatment patterns for neovascular glaucoma (NVG) in at-risk individuals in the American Academy of Ophthalmology (Academy) IRIS® Registry (Intelligent Research in Sight). DESIGN: Observational retrospective cohort study. PARTICIPANTS: Eyes in the IRIS Registry with a retinal ischemia based on a history of proliferative diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein occlusion, and/or ocular ischemic syndrome. METHODS: Race and ethnicity was defined as Asian, Black, Hispanic/Latino, non-Hispanic White, and other/unknown. In eyes with retinal ischemia, the outcome was NVG. In eyes with NVG, outcomes included treatment of retinal ischemia with pan-retinal photocoagulation (PRP), and surgery to lower intraocular pressure (IOP) with trabeculectomy, tube shunt, and cyclophotocoagulation (CPC). Covariates included age, sex, region of residence, insurance type, smoking status, and systemic and ocular comorbidities. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to examine adjusted associations between race and ethnicity and NVG and each type of NVG treatment. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Incidence of NVG, PRP, trabeculectomy, tube shunt, CPC, and any IOP-lowering surgery. RESULTS: Of 312 106 eyes with retinal ischemia, there were 5885 (1.9%) with NVG. Compared to eyes of individuals who identified as non-Hispanic White, eyes of individuals who were Black and Hispanic/Latino had higher hazards of NVG in adjusted analyses (hazards ratio [HR] = 1.28, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.15-1.43 [for Black]; HR = 1.32, 95% CI = 1.17-1.47 [for Hispanic/Latino]). Compared with eyes of individuals who were non-Hispanic White, there was higher hazards of trabeculectomy in eyes of individuals who were Hispanic/Latino (adjusted HR = 1.91, 95% CI = 1.08-3.39) and higher hazards of tube shunt (adjusted HR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.07-1.69) and of any IOP-lowering surgery (adjusted HR = 1.29, 95% CI = 1.09-1.53) in eyes of individuals who were Black. There were no statistically significant differences in the hazards of PRP or CPC. CONCLUSIONS: Eyes of Black and Hispanic/Latino individuals with retinal ischemia in the IRIS Registry had higher likelihood of NVG and of IOP-lowering surgery for NVG. Further study is needed to examine the medical and social factors that preclude optimal management of diabetic eye disease, in order to prevent its blinding complications. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES: Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

Population-Level Associations Between Visual Impairment and Functional Difficulties in California.

PURPOSE: The prevalence of visual impairment is increasing, and there is a need to understand the functional implications. Using the American Community Survey (ACS) data, this study examined the relationship between visual impairment and functional difficulties in California. METHODS: Using the 2010-2014 and 2015-2019 ACS 5-year estimates from the U.S. Census, data were obtained for visual impairment and functional difficulties including hearing, cognitive, ambulatory, self-care, and independent living difficulties. The prevalence of vision impairment and each functional difficulty was calculated on the Medical Service Study Area (MSSA) level in California. Unadjusted and adjusted linear regression models were performed to estimate the association between visual impairment and each functional difficulty, adjusting for age, sex, race and ethnicity, education level, English-speaking ability, poverty status, health insurance status, and urbanity of residence location. RESULTS: The prevalence of visual impairment in California was 2.3% (659,502 of 28,794,572) in 2010-2014 and 2.3% (709,353 of 30,231,767) in 2015-2019 among the population ≥ 18 years old. There were statistically significant associations between the prevalence of vision impairment and increased prevalence of all functional difficulties, with the most positive correlation observed with ambulatory difficulty (slope estimate 0.58 ± 0.072 for 2010-2014 and 0.78 ± 0.082 for 2015-2019 for ambulatory difficulty). CONCLUSIONS: There may be population-level impacts of functional consequences from vision impairment, suggesting the need for neighborhood-level investigation and policy-based interventions to address the burden of vision impairment on the population level.

Glaucoma Screening Guidelines Worldwide.

PRCIS: Recommendations for glaucoma screening vary significantly from organization to organization, and while worldwide screening is currently not recommended, there is support in many organizations for screening at-risk subgroups of the general population. OBJECTIVE: To summarize and compare current glaucoma screening protocols of major national and international, governmental, and non-governmental organizations. METHODS: A general review of the major medical, and more specifically ophthalmic, organizations within North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa was undertaken. Protocols from recent international and regional meetings were reviewed and summarized and a comparative analysis was employed to highlight differences between national and regional policies. RESULTS: In general, it was found that worldwide screening for glaucoma is currently of limited clinical utility and unlikely to be cost-effective. However, a more targeted approach is recommended by some major organizations, including the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the Pan-American Association of Ophthalmology, and the International Council of Ophthalmology in conjunction with a group of prominent ophthalmologists based in Sub-Saharan Africa recommend a targeted approach to screening specific populations that are deemed to be at higher risk of developing glaucoma. CONCLUSION: General population screening for glaucoma has been adopted as a recommendation by only a few organizations and only in specific situations. It is the screening of high-risk populations that has been demonstrated to be not only clinically useful in diagnosing and treating larger proportions of the general population benefiting from a higher positive-predictive value for screening protocols in these groups but also cost-effective. Further research is needed to create cost-effective protocols to successfully screen these high-risk populations for glaucoma using methods that are sufficiently sensitive and specific.

A Bayesian Hierarchical Spatial Longitudinal Model Improves Estimation of Local Macular Rates of Change in Glaucomatous Eyes.

Purpose: Demonstrate that a novel Bayesian hierarchical spatial longitudinal (HSL) model improves estimation of local macular ganglion cell complex (GCC) rates of change compared to simple linear regression (SLR) and a conditional autoregressive (CAR) model. Methods: We analyzed GCC thickness measurements within 49 macular superpixels in 111 eyes (111 patients) with four or more macular optical coherence tomography scans and two or more years of follow-up. We compared superpixel-patient-specific estimates and their posterior variances derived from the latest version of a recently developed Bayesian HSL model, CAR, and SLR. We performed a simulation study to compare the accuracy of intercept and slope estimates in individual superpixels. Results: HSL identified a significantly higher proportion of significant negative slopes in 13/49 superpixels and a significantly lower proportion of significant positive slopes in 21/49 superpixels than SLR. In the simulation study, the median (tenth, ninetieth percentile) ratio of mean squared error of SLR [CAR] over HSL for intercepts and slopes were 1.91 (1.23, 2.75) [1.51 (1.05, 2.20)] and 3.25 (1.40, 10.14) [2.36 (1.17, 5.56)], respectively. Conclusions: A novel Bayesian HSL model improves estimation accuracy of patient-specific local GCC rates of change. The proposed model is more than twice as efficient as SLR for estimating superpixel-patient slopes and identifies a higher proportion of deteriorating superpixels than SLR while minimizing false-positive detection rates. Translational Relevance: The proposed HSL model can be used to model macular structural measurements to detect individual glaucoma progression earlier and more efficiently in clinical and research settings.

Pediatric Optic Pathway Gliomas Resource Utilization and Prevalence in the OptumLabs Data Warehouse.

BACKGROUND: Although significant progress has been made in improving the rate of survival for pediatric optic pathway gliomas (OPGs), data describing the methods of diagnosis and treatment for OPGs are limited in the modern era. This retrospective study aims to provide an epidemiological overview in the pediatric population and an update on eye care resource utilization in OPG patients using big data analysis. METHODS: Using the OptumLabs Data Warehouse, 9-11 million children from 2016 to 2021 assessed the presence of an OPG claim. This data set was analyzed for demographic distribution data and clinical data including average ages for computed tomography (CT), MRI, strabismus, and related treatment (surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation), as well as yearly rates for optical coherence tomography (OCT) and visual field (VF) examinations. RESULTS: Five hundred fifty-one unique patients ranging in age from 0 to 17 years had an OPG claim, with an estimated prevalence of 4.6-6.1 per 100k. Among the 476 OPG patients with at least 6 months of follow-up, 88.9% had at least one MRI and 15.3% had at least one CT. Annual rates for OCT and VF testing were similar (1.26 vs 1.35 per year), although OCT was ordered for younger patients (mean age = 9.2 vs 11.7 years, respectively). During the study period, 14.1% of OPG patients had chemotherapy, 6.1% had either surgery or radiation, and 81.7% had no treatment. CONCLUSIONS: This study updates OPG demographics for the modern era and characterizes the burden of the treatment course for pediatric OPG patients using big data analysis of a commercial claims database. OPGs had a prevalence of about 0.005% occurring equally in boys and girls. Most did not receive treatment, and the average child had at least one claim for OCT or VF per year for clinical monitoring. This study is limited to only commercially insured children, who represent approximately half of the general child population.

Prevalence and Severity of Glaucoma in the California Medicare Population.

PURPOSE: To examine the prevalence of glaucoma by type and severity in the 2019 California (CA) Medicare population, and to identify associated demographic and systemic factors. DESIGN: Retrospective cross-sectional design. METHODS: The study population included all 2019 CA Medicare beneficiaries ≥65 years of age with Part A and Part B coverage. Outcomes included prevalence of any glaucoma, primary open angle glaucoma (POAG), secondary open angle glaucoma (SOAG), and angle closure glaucoma (ACG). Covariates included age, sex, race and ethnicity, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) score, pseudophakia, and age-related macular degeneration. Logistic regression modeling was used to examine multivariable predictors of each type of glaucoma. RESULTS: Of 5,856,491 beneficiaries in the 2019 California Medicare population, there were 220,662 (3.8%) with any glaucoma, 171,988 (2.9%) with POAG, 8,827 (0.2%) with SOAG, and 12,978 (0.2%) with ACG. The largest proportion of beneficiaries had moderate to severe glaucoma (68,553 of 220,662 [31.0%] for any glaucoma moderate stage, 3,168 of 12,978 [24.4%] for ACG severe stage). Multivariable predictors of any glaucoma included age ≥85 years vs 65 to 69 years (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.03, 95% CI = 2.00, 2.06), female vs male sex (aOR = 1.03, 95% CI = 1.02, 1.04), Black vs non-Hispanic White race and ethnicity (aOR = 1.70, 95% CI = 1.67, 1.73), and CCI ≥5 vs 0 (aOR = 5.59, 95% = 5.51, 5.67). CONCLUSIONS: In the 2019 CA Medicare population, multiple demographic and systemic factors were associated with increased likelihood of glaucoma, and beneficiaries with glaucoma had a high prevalence of moderate to severe disease. Strategies are needed to improve early screening and diagnosis for elderly individuals at risk for glaucoma in California.

Predictors of Glaucomatous Progression in Individuals with Small and Large Optic Discs.

PURPOSE: To identify factors associated with glaucomatous progression in individuals with small and large optic discs. DESIGN: Retrospective review. SUBJECTS: 4505 individuals with glaucoma at UCLA; 233 (59.7%) with small discs, 157 (40.3%) with large discs. METHODS: Small and large disc sizes were defined by OCT or Heidelberg Retinal Tomography as disc area ≤ 5% (≤ 1.3 mm2) and ≥ 95% (≥ 2.9 mm2), respectively. Medical records were reviewed for demographics, systemic comorbidities, glaucoma type, ocular comorbidities, and ocular surgery. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of visual field (VF) progression in individuals with small and large discs and predictors of large versus small discs. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The VF deterioration with mean deviation, pointwise linear regression, and glaucoma rate index (GRI); large vs. small disc. RESULTS: In individuals with small discs, Asian versus non-Hispanic White ethnicity was associated with increased progression (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 4.05; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.12-14.59 for GRI). Higher intraocular pressure (IOP) range and peak were associated with increased progression in individuals with both small discs (aOR = 1.12; 95% CI = 1.00-1.27 and aOR = 1.05; 95% CI = 1.00-1.10 per 1 mmHg for range and peak with GRI) and large discs (aOR = 1.35; 95% CI = 1.12-1.66 and aOR = 1.11; 95% CI = 1.03-1.20 per 1 mmHg for range and peak with GRI). Multivariable predictors of having large vs. small discs included vasospastic phenotype (aOR = 2.58; 95% CI = 1.35-5.19) and Black (aOR = 20.46; 95% CI = 8.33-61.84), Hispanic/Latino (aOR = 9.65; 95% CI = 4.14-25.39), Asian (aOR = 4.87; 95% CI = 2.96-8.1), and other (aOR = 2.79; 95% CI = 1.69-4.63) versus non-Hispanic White ethnicity. CONCLUSIONS: Increased odds of glaucomatous progression were associated with Asian vs. non-Hispanic White ethnicity in glaucoma patients with small optic discs, as well as with increased IOP range and peak in those with small and large discs. Individuals with a vasospastic phenotype and those from racial and ethnic minority backgrounds had increased odds of having large vs. small optic discs. Further characterization of discernible phenotypes would improve disease prognostication and help individualize glaucoma treatment. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

Disparities in Glaucoma Surgery: A Review of Current Evidence and Future Directions for Improvement.

There is a need to understand existing disparities in glaucoma surgery and to create strategies to eliminate these disparities. Disparities can exist in several aspects of glaucoma surgical management, including patient selection and timing of surgery, type of surgery performed, intra-operative and postoperative surgical complications, follow-up surgical care, and long-term surgical outcomes. Additionally, multiple types of disparities can exist within each of these realms, including disparities by race and ethnicity, age, gender, insurance type, people with disabilities, and other social, economic, and demographic factors. Disparities in glaucoma surgery have been examined in large scale datasets, retrospective clinical studies, and clinical trials, and several studies have identified likely racial and ethnic disparities in glaucoma surgical incidence and outcomes. We present existing literature on disparities in glaucoma surgery, analyze the advantages and limitations of various study designs for the investigation of these disparities, and propose directions for future research and interventions to identify and eliminate disparities in surgical glaucoma care.

Social Vulnerability, Prevalence of Glaucoma, and Incidence of Glaucoma Surgery in the California Medicare Population.

PURPOSE: To examine associations of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) scores with prevalence of glaucoma and incidence of glaucoma surgery in 2019 California Medicare beneficiaries. DESIGN: Retrospective cross-sectional study. PARTICIPANTS: 2019 California Medicare beneficiaries ≥ 65 years old with part A and part B coverage. METHODS: The exposure of interest was SVI score, which was assessed overall and by themes. Outcomes included prevalence of glaucoma in the study population and incidence of glaucoma surgery in beneficiaries with glaucoma. Logistic regression modeling was performed to assess associations between quartiles of each type of SVI score, prevalence of glaucoma, and incidence of glaucoma surgery, controlling for age, sex, race/ethnicity, Charlson Comorbidity Index score, pseudophakia, and age-related macular degeneration. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Prevalence of any glaucoma, primary open angle glaucoma (POAG), secondary open angle glaucoma (SOAG), and angle closure glaucoma in all beneficiaries. Incidence of any glaucoma surgery, trabeculectomy, tube shunt, minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS), and cyclophotocoagulation (CPC) in beneficiaries with glaucoma. RESULTS: Of 5 725 245 beneficiaries in the total study population, there were 215 814 (3.8%) with any glaucoma, and of those with glaucoma, 10 135/215 814 (4.7%) underwent glaucoma surgery. In adjusted analyses for overall SVI score, where higher levels of SVI refer to higher levels of social vulnerability, there were decreased odds of any glaucoma (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.83; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.82, 0.84 for Q4 vs. Q1), POAG (aOR = 0.85; 95% CI = 0.84, 0.87 for Q4 vs. Q1), and SOAG (aOR = 0.59; 95% CI = 0.55, 0.63 for Q4 vs. Q1) in higher (Q4) vs. lower (Q1) SVI quartile. There were increased odds of any glaucoma surgery (aOR = 1.19; 95% CI = 1.12, 1.26 for Q4 vs. Q1), MIGS (aOR = 1.24; 95% CI = 1.15, 1.33 for Q4 vs. Q1), and CPC (aOR = 1.49; 95% CI = 1.29, 1.76 for Q4 vs. Q1) for higher (Q4) vs. lower (Q1) SVI quartile. CONCLUSIONS: In the 2019 California Medicare population, there were variable associations between SVI score, prevalence of glaucoma, and incidence of glaucoma surgery. Further investigation is needed to understand the role of social, economic, and demographic factors in glaucoma care on the individual and structural levels. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

Association Between Myopia and Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma by Race and Ethnicity in Older Adults in the California Medicare Population.

Importance: Racial and ethnic differences in the association between myopia and primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) are not well understood. Objective: To investigate the association between myopia and POAG in the 2019 California Medicare population and to investigate whether there was evidence of effect measure modification of this association by race and ethnicity. Design, Setting, and Participants: This cross-sectional study used administrative claims data from 2019 California Medicare beneficiaries 65 years or older with California residence and active coverage with Medicare parts A and B. Analysis took place between October 2021 and October 2023. Exposures: The primary exposure was myopia, which was defined by International Statistical Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) diagnosis codes. Main Outcomes and Measures: The outcome of interest was POAG, which was defined by ICD-10-CM code. Results: Of 2 717 346 California Medicare beneficiaries in 2019, 1 440 769 (53.0%) were aged 65 to 74 years, 1 544 479 (56.8%) identified as female, 60 211 (2.2%) had myopia, and 171 988 (6.3%) had POAG. Overall, 346 723 individuals (12.8%) identified as Asian, 117 856 (4.3%) as Black, 430 597 (15.8%) as Hispanic, 1 705 807 (62.8%) as White, and 115 363 (4.2%) as other race and ethnicity. In adjusted logistic regression analyses, beneficiaries with myopia had higher odds of POAG compared with beneficiaries without myopia (odds ratio [OR], 2.41; 95% CI, 2.35-2.47). In multivariable models stratified by race and ethnicity, the association between myopia and POAG was stronger in Asian (OR, 2.74; 95% CI, 2.57-2.92), Black (OR, 2.60; 95% CI, 2.31-2.94), and Hispanic (OR, 3.28; 95% CI, 3.08-3.48) beneficiaries compared with non-Hispanic White beneficiaries (OR, 2.14; 95% CI, 2.08-2.21). Conclusions and Relevance: In the 2019 California Medicare population, myopia was associated with greater adjusted odds of POAG. This association was stronger among Asian, Black, and Hispanic beneficiaries compared with non-Hispanic White beneficiaries. These findings suggest possible disparities in glaucoma risk by race and ethnicity in individuals with myopia and may indicate greater need for glaucoma screening in individuals with myopia from racial and ethnic minority backgrounds.

Evaluating Discrepancies in Self-Reported Glaucoma and Electronic Health Records in the National Institutes of Health All of Us Database.

PURPOSE: Patient understanding of glaucoma diagnosis is critical for disease management and it is unclear if there are racial/ethnic differences in this regard. The purpose of this study was to determine the level of agreement between glaucoma diagnosis by self-report and electronic health record (EHR) data using the National Institute of Health's "All of Us (AoU)" database and to examine the association between race/ethnicity and discordance of glaucoma diagnosis between self-report and EHR data. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals in AoU who answered a survey question about glaucoma diagnosis and had EHR data availability. METHODS: The agreement between self-reported glaucoma and EHR data was estimated using Cohen's κ coefficient. Multivariable logistic regression was performed, adjusting for age, sex, education level, income, and health care literacy, to examine the associations between race/ethnicity and discordance between self-reported glaucoma and EHR diagnosis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Agreement between self-reported glaucoma and EHR diagnosis. RESULTS: Of all 87 782 individuals, 1985 (2.26%) had both self-reported and EHR glaucoma, 81 781 (92.16%) had no glaucoma, 2022 (2.31%) individuals had EHR-only glaucoma, and 1994 (2.27%) had self-report-only glaucoma (Cohen's κ = 0.47). In the multivariable regression, Black or African American (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.67; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.40-1.98), Asian (aOR, 2.63; 95% CI, 1.97-3.44), and Hispanic or Latino (aOR, 1.63; 95% CI, 1.33-1.99) individuals were more likely to have EHR-only glaucoma than White individuals. Additionally, Black or African American (aOR, 2.30; 95% CI, 1.97-2.67) and Hispanic or Latino individuals (aOR,1.47; 95% CI, 1.21-1.79) were more likely to have self-report-only glaucoma compared with White individuals. CONCLUSIONS: In the AoU database, we found that Black or African American and Hispanic or Latino individuals had higher odds of discordance between glaucoma diagnosis by self-report and EHR. Future studies are needed to examine the issues leading to this discordance, such as a lack of patient understanding regarding their diagnosis or a lack of culturally appropriate physician explanation/teaching. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

Associations Between Niacin Intake and Glaucoma in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

PRCIS: This study examined the association between dietary niacin intake and glaucoma in the 2005-2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Increased niacin intake was associated with lower odds of glaucoma overall and among women. PURPOSE: To examine the association between dietary niacin intake and glaucoma in the 2005-2008 NHANES. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study included adult participants of the 2005-2008 NHANES. The exposure was dietary niacin intake, which was examined as a continuous and categorical variable. The outcome was glaucoma as defined by regraded disc images. Covariates included age, sex, race/ethnicity, education level, income, body mass index, smoking status, alcohol use, cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, daily energy intake, vitamin B2 and B6 consumption, and macular degeneration. Adjusting for all covariates, logistic regression was performed to examine the association between niacin intake and glaucoma in the overall population and stratified by sex. RESULTS: The weighted population included 5371 individuals (109,734,124 weighted), of whom 55 (1.0%) had glaucoma. Each 1 mg increase in niacin intake was associated with a 6% decreased odds of glaucoma odds [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.90, 0.98]. Among women, increased niacin intake was associated with decreased odds of glaucoma both with niacin as a continuous (aOR = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.80, 0.99 per 1 mg increase in niacin intake) and binary variable (aOR = 0.35, 95% CI = 0.14, 0.90 for higher vs lower niacin intake). CONCLUSIONS: In the 2005-2008 NHANES population, higher levels of niacin intake were associated with decreased odds of glaucoma overall and in women. Further studies are needed to examine the potential protective effects of niacin on glaucoma risk.

Association of Blood Pressure With Rates of Macular Ganglion Cell Complex Thinning in Patients With Glaucoma.

Importance: There are scarce data on the association of blood pressure measures with subsequent macular structural rates of change in patients with glaucoma. Objective: To investigate the association of baseline blood pressure measures with rates of change of the macular ganglion cell complex in patients with central or moderate to advanced glaucoma damage at baseline. Design, Setting, and Participants: This prospective cohort study, conducted from August 2021 to August 2022, used data from patients in the Advanced Glaucoma Progression Study at the University of California, Los Angeles. Participants were between 39 and 80 years of age and had more than 4 macular imaging tests and 2 or more years of follow-up. Exposures: A diagnosis of glaucoma with either central damage or a visual field mean deviation worse than -6 dB. Main Outcomes and Measures: The main outcome was the association of blood pressure measures with ganglion cell complex rates of change. Macular ganglion cell complex thickness rates of change were estimated with a bayesian hierarchical model. This model included relevant demographic and clinical factors. Blood pressure measures, intraocular pressure, and their interactions were added to the model to assess the association of baseline blood pressure measures with global ganglion cell complex rates of change. Results: The cohort included 105 eyes from 105 participants. The mean (SD) age, 10-2 visual field mean deviation, and follow-up time were 66.9 (8.5) years, -8.3 (5.3) dB, and 3.6 (0.4) years, respectively, and 67 patients (63.8%) were female. The racial and ethnic makeup of the cohort was 15 African American (14.3%), 23 Asian (21.9%), 12 Hispanic (11.4%), and 55 White (52.4%) individuals based on patient self-report. In multivariable analyses, female sex, history of taking blood pressure medications, higher intraocular pressure, thicker central corneal thickness, shorter axial length, higher contrast sensitivity at 12 cycles per degree, and higher baseline 10-2 visual field mean deviation were associated with faster ganglion cell complex thinning. Lower diastolic blood pressure was associated with faster rates of ganglion cell complex thinning at higher intraocular pressures. For intraocular pressures of 8 and of 16 mm Hg (10% and 90% quantiles, respectively), every 10 mm Hg-lower increment of diastolic blood pressure was associated with 0.011 µm/y slower and -0.130 µm/y faster rates of ganglion cell complex thinning, respectively. Conclusions and Relevance: In this cohort study, a combination of lower diastolic blood pressure and higher intraocular pressure at baseline was associated with faster rates of ganglion cell complex thinning. These findings support consideration of evaluating and addressing diastolic blood pressure as a therapeutic measure in patients with glaucoma if supported by appropriate clinical trials.

BIOMARKERS OF MATERNAL SMOKING AND THE RISK OF RETINOBLASTOMA IN OFFSPRING.

PURPOSE: Previous studies examining the risk of retinoblastoma with maternal smoking were inconclusive, likely due in part to the reliance on self-reported maternal smoking. This study uses biomarkers of tobacco smoking in neonatal dried blood spots to investigate associations between maternal smoking and retinoblastoma in offspring. METHODS: The authors randomly selected 498 retinoblastoma cases and 895 control subjects born between 1983 and 2011 from a population-based case-control study in California. Maternal pregnancy-related smoking was measured using the following three metrics: provider or self-reported smoking during pregnancy, cotinine, and hydroxycotinine in neonatal blood. The authors used multivariable logistic regression to estimate the effects of maternal tobacco smoking on retinoblastoma. RESULTS: Using all metrics (biomarkers or self-report), maternal smoking late in pregnancy or early postpartum was related to retinoblastoma (all types; odds ratio = 1.44, 95% confidence interval: 1.00-2.09). Relying on cotinine or hydroxycotinine to ascertain smoking, maternal smoking was related to unilateral retinoblastoma (odds ratio = 1.66, 95% confidence interval: 1.08-2.57). CONCLUSION: The results indicate that maternal smoking during pregnancy may be a risk factor for retinoblastoma, particularly among unilateral cases.

Access to Eye Care Providers and Glaucoma Severity in the National Institutes of Health All of Us Research Program.

PRCIS: In the "All of Us (AoU) Research Program," individuals with access to vision care were more likely to have mild, moderate, or severe glaucoma and undergo incisional surgery compared with those without vision care access. PURPOSE: To examine the associations between access to eye care, glaucoma severity, and incisional glaucoma surgery using data from the National Institute of Health AoU Research Program. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Individuals with International Classification of Diseases Ninth or 10th Revision codes and who answered the survey question about eye care access in AoU were included in the study. The exposure variable was access to eye care services, with outcome variables (1) glaucoma severitys and (2) likelihood of incisional surgery. Unadjusted multinomial logistic regression compared access to eye care services and glaucoma severity. In addition, unadjusted logistic regression models compared access to eye care and the likelihood of incisional surgery. These were repeated using adjusted analyses, controlling for sex assigned at birth, race and ethnicity, and age. RESULTS: Compared with individuals without access to eye care services, those with access were more likely to have all levels of glaucoma severity [mild adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 5.81, 95% CI: 3.15-10.73, moderate aOR: 4.44, 95% CI: 2.45-8.02, severe aOR: 6.95, 95% CI: 2.69-17.93, and unspecified aOR: 3.06, 95% CI: 2.72, 3.45]. Access to eye care was associated with increased odds of any incisional glaucoma surgery (aOR: 3.00, 95% CI: 1.24-9.90) and of trabeculectomy (aOR: 3.30, 95% CI: 1.02-20.28) but not of tube shunt procedures (aOR: 2.65, 95% CI: 0.80-16.38). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that access to eye care services was associated with a higher prevalence of all levels of glaucoma severity; those with access to eye care services were more likely to undergo incisional surgery than those without access. Future research should focus on methods to best encourage eye care to limit glaucoma progression.