Open-angle Glaucoma - Known and Possible Risk Factors. II. Influence of other RiskFactors

Overview

Elevated intraocular pressure, the most important risk factor, was discussed in the first part ofthe paper. The influence of older age was identified as a strong supportive risk factor in severalstudies, as well as racial factors. A higher prevalence of primary open-angle glaucoma in blackswas found in population based studies. Family history plays an important role in the developmentof glaucoma. In recent years, 6 genes for primary open-angle glaucoma have beenidentified. In some epidemiological studies, myopia has been found to be a factor of mediumsignificance. Neurotoxicity causes death by apoptosis of the retinal ganglion cells in the opticnerve and the retina. Neuroprotection is a promising potential therapy in glaucoma, however,none of the drugs used to treat glaucoma has any neuroprotective effect in humans.

Key words:
glaucoma - risk factors - family incidence - myopia - neurotoxicity.