Genetics of primary open-angle glaucoma

Authors find that a substantial number of cases of primary open-angle glaucoma are familial and that relatives of primary open-angle glaucoma patients are at increased risk of developing glaucoma. Intraocular pressure, outflow facility, and cup/disc ratio all have multigenic, interrelated inheritance patterns. The response to topical corticosteroids appears to be inherited as an autosomal recessive and appears to be associated with primary open-angle glaucoma. This supports the hypothesis that there are substantial polygenic influences on primary open-angle glaucoma.