Study reveals link between ocular comorbidities and mental health conditions

Certain ocular conditions, particularly age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and retinal vein occlusion (RVO), are associated with an increased risk of mental health conditions, according to a study presented at AAO 2023. Specifically, AMD was found to have higher prevalence odds for mental health conditions among patients with no visual impairment, while RVO was linked to higher prevalence of depression and anxiety among visually impaired individuals.

The cross-sectional study utilizing a US database with over 87 million patients, has shed light on the connection between ocular comorbidities and mental health conditions across various demographics.

Researchers employed ICD-10 codes to identify patients with a range of ophthalmic conditions, visual impairment, and mental health issues. The prevalence odds were then stratified by sex and racial demographics.

There is a significant correlation between AMD and an elevated risk of mental health conditions in patients with no visual impairment. Prevalence odds ratios for all mental health conditions were notably higher for AMD patients compared to those with any other ocular condition.

Among visually impaired individuals, those with RVO experienced the highest prevalence of depression (16.50%) and anxiety (12.53%) when compared to patients with other ocular conditions. Female Hispanic patients with RVO demonstrated the highest prevalence odds for anxiety.

Reference
Sharma N, et al. Characterizing the Prevalence of Visual Impairment, Ocular Comorbidities and Mental Health Conditions in the United States. Presented at: AAO 2023.