Association of hyperopia with incident clinically significant depression: epidemiological and genetic evidence in the middle-aged and older population

Aims To investigate the association between hyperopia and clinically significant depression (CSD) in middle-aged and older individuals. The effect of genetic determinants of hyperopia on incident CSD was also explored. Methods We included participants who had available data on mean spherical equivalent (MSE) and were free of depression at baseline from the UK Biobank. For the phenotypic association, hyperopia was defined as MSE of+2.00 dioptres (D) or greater, and was divided into mild, moderate and high groups. Diagnosis of CSD across follow-up was determined based on electronic hospital inpatients records. For the genetic association analysis, the association between hyperopia Polygenic Risk Score and incident CSD was assessed. Mendelian randomisation was assessed for causality association. Results Over a median follow-up of 11.11 years (IQR: 10.92-11.38), hyperopia was significantly associated with incident CSD independent of genetic risk (HR 1.29, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.59) compared with emmetropia participants, especially in those hyperopic patients without optical correction (HR 1.38, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.76). In addition, participants in the high degree of hyperopia were more likely to have incident CSD than participants in the mild degree of hyperopia (P for trend=0.009). Genetic analyses did not show any significant associations between hyperopia and incident CSD (p >= 0.1). Conclusions Hyperopia was significantly associated with an increased risk of incident CSD. This was independent of genetic predisposition to hyperopia, emphasising the importance of regular vision screening and correction of hyperopia to reduce the risk of CSD regardless of genetic risk.

Automated summary

This study found a significant association between hyperopia and clinically significant depression (CSD) in middle-aged and older individuals. Even after considering genetic risk, the association between hyperopia and incident CSD remained. Moreover, participants with a high degree of hyperopia were more likely to develop CSD compared to those with mild hyperopia.