Depression among older persons with severe glaucoma: Topical β-blockers are not an independent risk factor

Abstract

Purpose. To assess the prevalence of psychiatric morbidity among a group of older persons with severe glaucoma. Methods. An analytic survey of persons over 65 years of age with corrected acuity better than 20/60 and field loss worse than -10dB (Humphrey perimeter Mean Defect) in the better eye. 127 persons were recruited, representing over 90% of those eligible. The Geriatric Mental Status (GMS) interview was used and the AGECAT computerised analysis system generated psychiatric diagnoses from the interview responses. The GMS-AGECAT system is semi-objective and permits comparisons to be made with other studies that have used the same methodology. Results., 33% of subjects were diagnosed with..