Work

Risk of new-onset glaucoma in people with carpal tunnel syndrome: a global-federated, multicenter retrospective cohort study

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common entrapment neuropathy involving chronic inflammation, while glaucoma is an optic neuropathy linked to neuroinflammation and vascular insufficiency.Shared pathogenic mechanisms have been hypothesized, but large-scale epidemiologic evidence is lacking.This study aims to evaluate whether CTS patients present an elevated risk of glaucoma compared to CTS-free individuals. Materials and Methods:We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the TriNetX global research network.Adults diagnosed with CTS were matched 1:1 with CTS-free controls based on demographics, comorbidities, and healthcare utilization.The primary outcome was new-onset glaucoma, with subtypes assessed separately.Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).Sensitivity analyses included alternative matching algorithms, washout periods, and comparisons with autoimmune musculoskeletal diseases.Results: After matching (n = 733,997 per group), CTS was associated with an increased risk of glaucoma (HR = 1.57, 95% CI: 1.52-1.62).Risks were elevated across glaucoma subtypes, including open-angle glaucoma (HR = 1.55, 95% CI: 1.44-1.66)and angle-closure glaucoma (HR = 1.67, 95% CI: 1.38-2.02).Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of the association across multiple models.When compared to patients with autoimmune musculoskeletal diseases, CTS patients had a higher risk of glaucoma than those with rheumatoid arthritis (HR = 1.73, 95% CI: 1.60-1.87)or ankylosing spondylitis (HR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.20-1.53).Conclusion: Carpal tunnel syndrome is associated with a significantly increased risk of glaucoma.These findings support the involvement of shared inflammatory or vascular mechanisms and highlight the growing concern about ocular comorbidities in patients with CTS.

Source: International Journal of Medical Sciences

DOI: 10.7150/ijms.122874

Authors: Yu-Jung Su, Shuo-Yan Gau, Yow-Ling Shiue