The Effect of Psychotropic Medications on Glaucoma Risk and Intraocular Pressure: A Bayesian Meta-Analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background and objectives

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide and is increasingly recognized as a potential adverse effect of various pharmacological agents. It has been suggested that psychotropic medications influence glaucoma risk, but findings across studies have remained inconsistent. We aimed to clarify the association between psychotropic drug use and glaucoma through a Bayesian meta-analysis.

Methods

We conducted a systematic literature search up to December 2024. Studies that examined the relationship between psychotropic medications and glaucoma or intraocular pressure (IOP), and reported odds ratios (ORs), relative risks (RRs), or mean differences, were eligible. Bayesian random-effects models were applied using informative priors based on existing evidence for specific compounds. Estimates were reported as pooled ORs and Hedges' g with corresponding 95% credible intervals (CrIs).

Results

A total of 22 observational studies, including 293,228 users of psychotropic medications, met the inclusion criteria. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) were associated with a modestly reduced risk of open-angle glaucoma (OR = 0.832, 95% CrI: 0.753-0.921) and a small but consistent reduction in IOP (Hedges' g = -0.332, 95% CrI: -0.487 to -0.179). Although tricyclic antidepressants were expected to have a direct causative effect, results did not show a significant association with glaucoma risk (OR = 1.466, 95% CrI: 0.700-3.338). Benzodiazepines were associated with a significantly increased risk of glaucoma (OR = 1.550, 95% CrI: 1.436-1.674), with consistent effects across both short- and long-acting compounds. Topiramate demonstrated a strong association with acute angle-closure glaucoma (OR = 3.930, 95% CrI: 1.784-11.465), in accordance with its known mechanism of inducing anterior displacement of the lens-iris diaphragm. Studies on methylphenidate, limited to pediatric populations, suggested a modest but non-significant reduction in IOP compared with untreated individuals. Evidence on antipsychotics was inconsistent, precluding any quantitative synthesis.

Conclusions

While some drug classes (e.g., benzodiazepines, topiramate) show a strong association with glaucoma, results for other compounds must be taken judiciously. The high level of heterogeneity, and the presence of special populations suggest caution when moving to real-life scenarios. Nonetheless, our results highlight the importance of ophthalmologic monitoring in patients prescribed with psychiatric drugs (e.g., benzodiazepines or topiramate), at risk for angle closure.

SUBMITTER: Jannini TB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12909488 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature