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Good Cholesterol Linked To Glaucoma

A new study suggests that the types of cholesterol typically considered “good” and “bad” for heart health might have opposite effects on eye health, particularly in relation to glaucoma. Published on February 4 in the British Journal of Ophthalmology, the study found that high levels of “good” HDL cholesterol could increase the risk of developing glaucoma in people over 55. In contrast, higher levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol appeared to be associated with a lower risk of glaucoma.

HDL cholesterol has long been regarded as beneficial for heart health, as it helps remove LDL cholesterol from the arteries. However, the researchers, led by Zhenzhen Liu from the Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center in China, suggest that high HDL levels may not always have a positive impact, especially when it comes to eye health. This study challenges the long-held belief that high HDL levels are always beneficial.

The study analyzed data from over 400,000 participants in the UK Biobank, tracking their blood fat levels and health outcomes for an average of 14 years. Approximately 2% of participants developed glaucoma, and those with higher HDL and lower LDL cholesterol levels were more likely to be affected. Specifically, people with the highest levels of HDL cholesterol had a 10% higher risk of developing glaucoma, while those with higher LDL levels had an 8% lower risk.

Additionally, higher triglyceride levels were found to be associated with a 14% lower risk of glaucoma. The research highlights how various types of blood fats can influence the likelihood of developing glaucoma, but the exact reasons for these associations remain unclear. Importantly, these findings were primarily observed in individuals over the age of 55.

The researchers suggest that if these results are confirmed through further studies, medical professionals may need to reconsider the approach to using cholesterol-lowering drugs in patients who are at risk for glaucoma. These findings challenge the traditional understanding of cholesterol’s role in eye health, particularly with respect to glaucoma.