AUA’s Meghrigian Institute Published in International Ophthalmology
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YEREVAN, Armenia — The American University of Armenia (AUA) Garo Meghrigian Institute for Preventive Ophthalmology (Meghrigian Institute) at the Avedisian Onanian Center for Health Services Research and Development (CHSR) of the Turpanjian College of Health Sciences (CHS) published a new study titled “Migraine headache and other risk factors associated with glaucoma among the adult population living in Armenia: a case-control study.” The research article appeared in International Ophthalmology, an international, scientific, peer-reviewed journal with a broad international scope that publishes articles on all subspecialties of ophthalmology. The journal also features sections highlighting advancements in technologies, products, techniques, and basic research projects. The research article is authored by Aida Giloyan, M.S., (MPH ’07); Vahe Khachadourian, M.D., (MPH ’11), Ph.D.; Varsik Hakobyan, M.D.; Lilit Kirakosyan, M.D.; Varduhi Petrosyan, M.S., Ph.D.; and Tsovinar Harutyunyan (MPH ’99), Ph.D.
The study investigated the potential link between migraine headaches and glaucoma among adults in Armenia, involving 145 cases with glaucoma and 250 controls without glaucoma. Possible migraine was observed in 17.8% of cases and 19.0% of controls. The majority of participants had primary open-angle glaucoma. On average, cases had been diagnosed with glaucoma for five years (standard deviation ± 6.6). In the adjusted analysis, older age, average to low socio-economic status, and a family history of glaucoma were factors associated with high-tension glaucoma. No significant association was found between migraine and glaucoma.
Further studies to explore the relationship between migraine and specific types of glaucoma, with particular focus on younger participants, could provide further insights. Timely case detection of glaucoma among those with average/low socio-economic status and with a family history of glaucoma could prevent further progression of the disease.
Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness and the second leading cause of blindness globally. It has been estimated that more than 60 million people were affected by glaucoma globally in 2010. In 2013, the number of people with glaucoma worldwide was estimated to be 64 million, increasing to 76 million in 2020 and more than 110 million in 2040.
The AUA Turpanjian College of Health Sciences works actively to improve population health and health services in Armenia and the region through interdisciplinary education and development of health professionals to be leaders in public health, nursing, health services research and evaluation, and health care delivery and management.