Associations between chronic systemic diseases and primary open angle glaucoma: an epidemiological perspective.

Glaucoma is a leading cause of global irreversible blindness. Primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) is the most common form of glaucoma and affects 44.1 million individuals worldwide. Elevation of intraocular pressure and impairment of vascular supply to the optic nerve head are two key pathogenic processes in the development of POAG. In this regard, chronic systemic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and obesity have been postulated to be correlated with these two pathogenic processes. Thus, it is plausible that chronic systemic diseases may act as risk factors for POAG. The aim of this review is to summarize the current evidence on the associations of chronic systemic diseases with POAG. These information will help to further ascertain the risk factors for POAG and improve the early detection of POAG.