Examining the Relationship Between Alcohol Use Disorder and Glaucoma: Protocol for a Scoping Review.

Background: Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a condition characterized by uncontrollable alcohol use despite negative social, occupational, or health consequences. AUD affects major organ systems in the body, including the eyes, in different ways. Alcohol seems to have dose-dependent effects on intraocular pressure (IOP), with some quantities lowering IOP and promoting blood flow to the optic nerve head, whereas higher quantities are linked to cardiovascular disorders and systemic physiological changes affecting glaucoma development. Current research shows mixed findings on the correlation between alcohol consumption and glaucoma, and little has been investigated in the AUD population. This paper outlines a protocol for a scoping review that aims to characterize the literature on the connection between AUD and its related conditions, such as alcohol dependence and alcohol misuse, and glaucoma and its associated symptoms, including increased IOP, optic nerve damage, and vision loss. Objective: The overarching goal of this scoping review is to synthesize an extensive overview of the current literature surrounding AUD or alcohol consumption and glaucoma. We aim to (1) map the existing literature on alcohol and glaucoma; (2) identify how alcohol consumption is associated with glaucoma; and (3) synthesize evidence concerning the association between AUD or alcohol consumption, including drinking frequency, quantity, and type, and glaucoma. Methods: A biomedical librarian will conduct a systematic search of PubMed and MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and CENTRAL. A 2-step process will be used to screen the results, using Covidence as the screening software. All unique records retrieved from the databases and those identified through supplemental searches will be screened by 2 reviewers independently using the eligibility criteria. This will be followed by data charting. This evidence synthesis will summarize findings in narrative and tabular formats. Results: This scoping review was started in Covidence in November 2024 and is currently funded by the National Institutes of Health Intramural Research Program. The projected end date for data collection and submission is between November 2025 and January 2026. Conclusions: This scoping review aims to clarify the mixed findings on the association between AUD or alcohol consumption and glaucoma. The findings will guide future research in this area.