Family history of glaucoma as a prognostic factor in primary open angle glaucoma

D. Wang, J. T. Whitson, R. R. Allingham, D. D. McIntire

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

Purpose. To assess family history of glaucoma as a prognostic factor in primary open angle glaucoma (POAG). Methods. A group of 19 patients presenting with a diagnosis of POAG who had a family history of glaucoma, were aged 55 years or older, and had no history of diabetes mellitus, systemic hypertension, cardiovascular disease, or cerebral vascular disease were followed for an average of 61 months. A similar group of 21 POAG patients with no family history of glaucoma was used as a control. Results. Patients with family history of glaucoma had an increased incidence of loss of one or more lines of snellen visual acuity (48% vs 26%, P<0.02), deterioration of visual field (60% vs 50%, P < 0.39), need for argon laser trabeculoplasty (40% vs 16%%, P < 0.02) or filtration surgery (29% vs 11%, P < 0.03) and were more likely to require multiple glaucoma medications for control of their disease (74% vs 58%, P<0.03). Conclusion. Our results suggest that family history of glaucoma may identify a group of POAG patients who have a poorer prognosis from their disease and should be treated earlier and more aggressively.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)S409
JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science
Volume37
Issue number3
StatePublished - Feb 15 1996

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Ophthalmology
  • Sensory Systems
  • Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience

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