Topical beta-blockers are not associated with an increased risk of treatment for depression.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effect of topical beta-blockers on the prevalence of depression among glaucoma patients.


METHODS
Retrospective observational population-based cohort study.


METHODS
We reviewed the electronic medical records of all the members in a district of the largest health maintenance organization in Israel (Central District of Clalit Health Services) who were older than 20 years (317,469 members).


METHODS
We documented all antiglaucoma prescriptions (n = 274,023) and all antidepressant prescriptions (n = 16,948) filled by glaucoma patients in the district between January 1, 2001 and December 31, 2003. We included only those patients who filled at least 6 consecutive antiglaucoma prescriptions at least once every 2 months (n = 6597; 5846 [88.6%] were treated with topical beta-blockers). Depressed patients were defined as patients that filled at least four prescriptions for antidepressants during the study period (n= 810, 12.3% of all glaucoma patients).


METHODS
Relationship of topical beta-blocker use and prevalence of depression among glaucoma patients.


RESULTS
No significant demographic differences were noted between glaucoma patients treated and not treated with topical beta-blockers. Of those treated and not treated with beta-blockers, 12.2% (12.7% after age-adjustment) and 12.7%, respectively, were also receiving drug therapy for depression (P = 0.7, chi-square test). With stratification by age, treatment with topical beta-blockers did not influence the prevalence of depression in any age group. Logistic regression analysis revealed a significant effect of age, place of birth, and gender on the prevalence of depression, but the prevalence of use of topical beta-blockers had no significant effect.


CONCLUSIONS
Use of topical beta-blockers by glaucoma patients does not appear to increase the risk of depression in this population.
Kaiserman
Igor
I
Department of Ophthalmology, Barzilai Medical Center, Ashkelon, Israel. Igor@Dr-Kaiserman.com
Kaiserman
Nadia
N
Elhayany
Asher
A
Vinker
Shlomo
S
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003863:Depression / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011307:Drug Prescriptions / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D005902:Glaucoma, Open-Angle / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006279:Health Maintenance Organizations / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007557:Israel / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents