Age-Related Eye Diseases Raise Risk of Heart Disease–Depression Combo, Long-Term Study Shows
China: Patients with age-related eye diseases (AREDs) face a significantly higher likelihood of developing both coronary heart disease (CHD) and depression together than either condition alone, a large population-based study has found.
"Over nearly 12 years of follow-up, the presence of AREDs was linked to a 10% higher risk of CHD, a 28% higher risk of depression, and a striking 37% higher risk of developing the two conditions simultaneously," the researchers reported in Psychology Research and Behavior Management.
The research, led by Xue He and colleagues from the Guangdong Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University in Guangzhou, used data from the extensive UK Biobank. The team set out to clarify how common age-related eye disorders—such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataract, and diabetes-related eye disease (DRED)—might contribute to the dual burden of heart disease and depression, a combination already known to increase mortality.
Drawing on baseline health assessments from March 2006 to December 2010 and tracking participants through July 2021, the investigators analyzed records of 116,501 adults who were free of both CHD and depression at the start of the study.
The following were the key findings of the study:
- Over an average follow-up of 11.8 years, 7,750 participants developed coronary heart disease (CHD).
- During the same period, 3,682 individuals were diagnosed with depression.
- A total of 741 participants experienced both CHD and depression.
- After adjusting for lifestyle factors and other medical conditions, age-related eye disease (ARED) was linked to a 10% higher risk of CHD (HR 1.10).
- ARED was associated with a 28% increased risk of depression (HR 1.28).
- ARED carried a 37% greater risk of developing both CHD and depression together (HR 1.37).
- Cataract was tied to a 57% higher likelihood of CHD–depression comorbidity.
- Cataract also showed a 26% increased risk of depression alone.
- Diabetes-related eye disease was connected to a 33% higher risk of CHD compared to those without this eye condition.
The findings highlight the importance of considering eye health as part of broader cardiovascular and mental health screening, particularly in older adults. “Our results highlight that age-related eye diseases should not be viewed in isolation,” the authors noted, emphasizing that early detection and management of CHD and depression should be integral to caring for patients with these visual disorders.
Age-related eye conditions are already recognized for their impact on quality of life and independence, but the research suggests their consequences may extend far beyond vision. By revealing a strong link to two serious and often interconnected conditions—heart disease and depression—the study supports a more integrated approach to patient care. Regular cardiovascular and mental health evaluations for those diagnosed with AREDs could help prevent or mitigate the dual burden, ultimately improving long-term outcomes.
Reference:
He X, Li C, Wang Y, Du Z, Jiang J, Zhang W, Peng J, Peng Z, Huang T, Li H, Kuang Y, Yu H, Liu L, Yang X. Association of Age-Related Eye Diseases with Comorbidity of Coronary Heart Disease and Depression in a Population-Based Cohort Study. Psychol Res Behav Manag. 2025;18:1931-1942. https://doi.org/10.2147/PRBM.S533879f
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