A recently published study found that patients with both glaucoma and severe atopic dermatitis (AD) are at a significantly higher risk of requiring glaucoma surgery compared with those without AD. Researchers in Taiwan reviewed data from the Global Collaborative Network in TriNetX, focusing on patients diagnosed with glaucoma between December 2003 and December 2018. The study followed 2,622 patients with glaucoma (584 of whom had severe AD) and compared them with a matched group without AD over a five-year period. Findings revealed that patients with severe AD were nearly three times more likely to need glaucoma surgery, suggesting a link between AD severity and glaucoma outcomes. However, those with mild AD did not show an increased risk of surgery.

The researchers also noted that severe AD may increase the likelihood of blunt ocular trauma and intraocular inflammation, potentially worsening glaucoma. No increased risk of glaucoma surgery was found for patients with mild AD, nor was AD associated with minimally invasive glaucoma surgery, trabeculectomy, aqueous shunt, or transscleral cyclophotocoagulation.

Reference: Stroka M. Severe Atopic Dermatitis in Patients With Glaucoma Elevates Ocular Surgery Risk Published. Dermatology Advisor. August 22, 2024.Accessed September 19, 2024. https://www.dermatologyadvisor.com/news/severe-atopic-dermatitis-patients-with-glaucoma-more-likely-to-require-surgery/