Intraocular pressure in the adult population of Arkhangelsk and its associations with socio-demographic characteristics, lifestyle, and general health status

Background: Glaucoma is considered one of the leading causes of disability. Intraocular pressure is a key risk factor for the development of glaucoma, which underscores the importance of its assessment and control. The pneumotonometric method for measuring intraocular pressure is being widely used in glaucoma screening diagnostics.

Aim: The work aimed to determine population-based reference values and age-related changes in intraocular pressure among adults in the European North of Russia and to examine associations between intraocular pressure and socio-demographic characteristics, lifestyle factors, and health indicators.

Methods: A random sample of Arkhangelsk residents aged 45–74 years (n = 1223) was examined, including an ophthalmologic assessment and pneumotonometry. Socio-demographic and lifestyle data were collected via face-to-face interviews, and health characteristics were obtained through clinical examinations. Reference intraocular pressure values were defined using the 5th and 95th percentiles. Associations between intraocular pressure and study variables were assessed using multivariable linear regression and presented as B coefficients with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results: The mean intraocular pressure was 14.2 mmHg overall, 13.9 mmHg in men, and 14.4 mmHg in women. Population-based reference ranges for true intraocular pressure were identified as follows: low-normal (9–12 mmHg), mid-normal (12–16 mmHg), and high-normal (16–20 mmHg). Intraocular pressure levels showed a downward trend with increasing age in both women (p = 0.007) and men (p = 0.011). Inverse associations were found between intraocular pressure and male sex (B = –0.56; 95% CI: –0.94 to –0.18), indigenous status in the Arkhangelsk Region (B = –0.50; 95% CI: –0.83 to –0.16), and higher education (B = –0.40; 95% CI: –0.73 to –0.06). Among health-related variables, intraocular pressure was associated with hypertension (B = 0.56; 95% CI: 0.17 to 0.94), diabetes mellitus (B = 0.46; 95% CI: 0.03 to 0.89), dyslipidemia (B = 0.36; 95% CI: 0.01 to 0.71), abdominal obesity (B = 0.39; 95% CI: 0.31 to 0.98), thyroid dysfunction (B = 0.42; 95% CI: 0.07 to 0.77), vitamin D deficiency (B = 0.76; 95% CI: 0.30 to 1.22), and low serum total protein (B = –0.76; 95% CI: –1.43 to –0.09).

Conclusion: This study established normal intraocular pressure ranges for residents of the European North of Russia aged 45–74 years. A decrease in intraocular pressure with age was observed, along with lower intraocular pressure levels in men, indigenous residents of the Arkhangelsk Region, and individuals with low serum protein. Elevated intraocular pressure levels were associated with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, obesity, thyroid dysfunction, and vitamin D deficiency.