Study Links High 'Good' Cholesterol to Increased Glaucoma Risk

New research challenges long-standing views on cholesterol, finding a connection between elevated HDL levels and higher glaucoma risk in older adults.

• A study of over 400,000 UK participants found that higher levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, often called 'good cholesterol,' are associated with a 5% increased risk of glaucoma.
• Conversely, higher levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, total cholesterol, and triglycerides were linked to a reduced glaucoma risk, though the protective effect was not confirmed genetically.
• The associations were age- and sex-specific, with elevated HDL levels increasing glaucoma risk in men over 55, while lower LDL and total cholesterol levels showed protective effects in women.
• Genetic analysis indicated that the link between high HDL cholesterol and glaucoma risk is partly driven by genetic factors, while other cholesterol types' effects may involve environmental or secondary influences.
• Researchers suggest these findings could reshape medical guidance on cholesterol, emphasizing the need for personalized strategies that consider age, sex, and overall health profiles.

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