New genetic markers identified for Glaucoma

Researchers at the QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute Statistical Genetic laboratory have identified 40 new genetic markers that increase a person's risk developing glaucoma.

This discovery raises hope that a predictive test for glaucoma will become a reality in the near future. Researchers conducted a genome-wide study of more than 134,000 people with high intraocular pressure which is linked to a greater risk of developing glaucoma. What they discovered is that individuals with a large number of genetic markers had nearly six times the increased risk of developing glaucoma compared to those who had fewer genetic markers. More than 64.3 million people worldwide have glaucoma with those numbers expected to only increase every year. Early detection of the disease can stop or dramatically slow the progression of the disease.*