Erectile Dysfunction in Patients with Primary Open-angle Glaucoma in Malaysia.

AIMS AND

BACKGROUND

Erectile dysfunction (ED) and primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) are common in the elderly population. The current study aimed at assessing the incidence of ED and its correlation with POAG severity in Malaysia.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A cross-sectional study at three Malaysian suburban ophthalmology clinics was conducted from September 2019 to 2020. A total of 220 participants aged 40-80 years completed a validated Malay version of the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5). Glaucoma severity was classified using a revised Advanced Glaucoma Intervention Study (AGIS) score. Medical history, ocular parameters, and treatments were reviewed.

RESULTS

The participants' mean age was found to be 69.3 (±7.5) years, with prevalence of ED being 91%. IIEF-5 scores significantly declined with increasing glaucoma severity (p < 0.001), even after adjusting for comorbidities and topical beta-blockers. AGIS and IIEF-5 scores were significantly correlated (r = -0.262, p = 0.010). The incidence of ED increased by 1.23 times (OR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.10-1.38) with the increase of every year in age. ED was not influenced by diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, or topical beta-blockers.

CONCLUSION

ED is common among POAG patients and increases with glaucoma severity. The association between ED and POAG is influenced by aging, complicating the determination of a direct relationship.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This study highlights the potential association between vision impairment, specifically glaucoma, and sexual health in men. Focusing on sexual health in glaucoma patients is vital in order to improve overall quality of life (QoL) as well as ensure a holistic approach to patient care. Given the commonness of both conditions in older adults, this research provides insights into the significance of taking sexual health into consideration in the comprehensive treatment of glaucoma.

HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Chee CC, Sabah H, Yaakub A, et al. Erectile Dysfunction in Patients with Primary Open-angle Glaucoma in Malaysia. J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2025;19(2):79-84.