Previous studies have shown that statins can be used to help prevent other ocular diseases. In some studies, statins have been associated with a decreased risk of age-related macular degeneration, a disorder of the retina that causes gradual vision loss.

In this study, McGwin and colleagues used data from the medical records of 667 men >50 years old with a new diagnosis of glaucoma between January 1, 1997 and December 31, 2001. The glaucoma subjects were compared with 6667 control patients matched by age. Prescription records were assessed for statin use as well as for additional medications to lower cholesterol for control patients and patients with glaucoma. Prescriptions records were not assessed for dose.

There was a significant trend toward a reduced risk of glaucoma with longer-term statin use (p=0.04). The use of statins for >23 months was associated with a statistically significant reduction in the risk of glaucoma (OR=0.60; 95% CI 0.39-0.92). Use of nonstatin medications, including fibrates and nicotinic acid, was also associated with a reduced risk of glaucoma (OR=0.59; 95% CI 0.37-0.97).

When investigators stratified statin use and glaucoma according to various comorbidities, significant associations between statin use and glaucoma were observed among those with lipid metabolism disorders, CVD, and those without cerebrovascular disease.

McGwin and colleagues report that if the trend and magnitude of effect seen with statin use >23 months is upheld in larger sample sizes, the protective effect will rival lowering intraocular pressure through the use of antihypertensive medications seen in previous studies.

"The results of the current study thus suggest that the association between statin use and the risk of glaucoma deserves further investigation," conclude the authors. "If confirmation is forthcoming, a randomized clinical trial of the use of statins or other antilipid/cholesterol-lowering agents may lead to the application of a new class of medications for the treatment of glaucoma."