A study has identified 133 genetic variants that could pave the way for a screening programme for glaucoma.
The breakthrough could signify a major step in the battle against glaucoma, enabling a better understanding of the development of the condition.
Scientists from King’s College and University College London, Massachusetts Eye and Ear and Harvard Medical School studied 140,000 people from the UK.
Eye pressure readings and DNA analysis were compared to assess the likelihood of developing glaucoma. The study revealed elevated eye pressure is the most important risk factor in glaucoma’s development.
The team were then able to identify 133 genetic variants in the DNA of those who had high pressure readings, and were therefore at the highest risk of developing glaucoma with 75% accuracy.