Study associates glaucoma with loneliness and social isolation

Loneliness and social isolation have been found to be associated with an increased risk of glaucoma in a study published in BMC Public Health.

Researchers analysed data from the UK Biobank, including 373,300 who did not have prior glaucoma, and 6,849 cases of glaucoma were recorded over 13 years.

Information about loneliness and social isolation was derived from self-reported questions with participants given a score depending on how they responded.  

‘Our finding underscores the necessity of positive mental and social network intervention for individuals at high risk of glaucoma. Further research is needed to clarify the effects of loneliness and social isolation on specific subtypes of glaucoma,’ researchers said.