Exploring anxiety and depression in patients with glaucoma
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploratory study: Do people with glaucoma have different levels of anxiety and depression compared to people without ocular abnormalities other than cataracts?
IRAS ID
209764
Contact name
P J Foster
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 0 days
Research summary
Our research question is “Do people with glaucoma have different levels of anxiety and depression compared to people without ocular abnormalities other than cataracts?”. This study aims to combine two key areas of eye disease and mental health, which will improve our current delivery of care and inform future research. This is an important topic of research because although it is known that improving mental wellbeing can help with overall eye health, there is very little research being conducted in this area. Previous studies have also shown that glaucoma patients exhibit different psychological profiles between sub-types of glaucoma and when compared to a reference group. This study is the first of its kind in the UK and depending on the results, we may seek to conduct a larger study at a later stage.
At Moorfields Eye Hospital, we will invite people with and without glaucoma to complete questionnaires measuring anxiety and depressive symptoms. This will include 30 individuals with Primary Angle-Closure Glaucoma (PACG), 30 with Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG) and 30 with cataract. They must be between 18-75 years old and willing to participate.
Participants will be asked to complete questionnaires assessing emotional wellbeing in the context of living with a chronic eye condition. The questionnaires ask about the full range of low mood and anxiety. The questionnaires will be completed during waiting times at their scheduled appointment at Moorfields or on their next visit. We will also gather qualitative data on patients' views on their diagnosis. Additionally, basic background information about age, socioeconomic status, general health and medication, will also be obtained in order to better understand the results. The data collection portion of the study will last approximately 12 weeks. We will then analyse the data collected and report our findings in a peer-reviewed journal.
REC name
London - Harrow Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/LO/2156
Date of REC Opinion
2 Feb 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion