Study Links Severe AD with Need for Surgery in Glaucoma Patients

Patients suffering from both severe atopic dermatitis (AD) and glaucoma are increasingly likely to need surgical intervention for the glaucoma depending on the severity of their AD, according to a new Journal of Glaucoma study.

“Association of Atopic Dermatitis and Risk of Glaucoma Surgery: A Global Population-Based Study” aimed to assess the risk of requiring glaucoma surgery among patients with glaucoma with and without AD.

The study cohorts' risk and cumulative incidence of needing glaucoma surgery (minimally invasive glaucoma surgery, trabeculectomy, aqueous shunt, or transscleral cyclophotocoagulation) were compared, and a subgroup analysis was conducted for patients with severe AD. While the AD group showed a comparable risk of requiring surgery to the non-AD group, the severe AD group demonstrated significantly greater risk and cumulative incidence of surgery.

“Patients with glaucoma with severe AD are significantly more likely to need surgical intervention, with AD severity being a correlating factor for increased risk,” the authors concluded.