Age, gender and refractive error association with intraocular pressure in healthy Saudi participants: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Purpose: To determine the distribution of intraocular pressure (IOP) and its association with age, gender and refractive error in non-glaucomatous Saudi participants. Design: Hospital-based cross-sectional observational study during Vision Day Screening Program. Participants: 458 participants living in the Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia. Methods: Recruited participants (aged 20 years or over) underwent a comprehensive questionnaire and ocular examination, including measurement of IOP with Perkins hand-held applanation tonometry and autorefraction. Main outcome measures: The distribution of IOP of either of the eyes (right or left eye by randomization) and associations with age, gender and refractive error. Results: Median IOP was 15.0 (range: 6-28) mmHg in the total population. There is no significant difference between the overall IOP of male participants, median 15 (range: 6-28) mmHg and female participants, median 16 (range: 6-28) mmHg (p = 0.180). No statistically significant difference in IOP in relation to age comparing 20-45 years group to 46-69 years group was documented (p = 0.751). There was no statistically significant relationship between refractive error category and IOP (p = 0.405). Ocular hypertension with IOP > 21 mmHg was found in 8.7% of the participants. Conclusion: Variation in IOP by gender, age group and type of refractive error was not statistically significant. The observations need confirmation by study with larger sample representing Saudi population.