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Prevalence of normal tension glaucoma varies with ethnicity
CORONADO, Calif. — Epidemiologic studies have shown that the prevalence of normal tension glaucoma varies considerably depending on ethnicity, with the highest prevalence found in Asian populations, according to Janey Wiggs, MD, PhD.
Janey Wiggs
Among 24 studies that looked at prevalence of normal tension glaucoma in various countries, one study from Japan reported a 92% rate in that population, whereas an Ethiopian study reported a less than 10% rate, according to Wiggs’ presentation at the American Glaucoma Society annual meeting. Whether the increased prevalence in Asian populations is due to genetics or environment is a question to be answered, she said. However, some studies do point to a genetic predisposition.
“Epidemiologic and genetic studies suggest that patients with normal tension glaucoma have a different set of predisposing risk factors compared with patients with high-tension primary open-angle glaucoma,” Wiggs said.
Published studies have shown that Japanese Americans also have a high prevalence of normal tension glaucoma, suggesting that the increased risk of normal tension glaucoma is at least in part due to genetic factors, she said. – by Patricia Nale, ELS
Disclosure: Wiggs reports no relevant financial disclosures.