October 22, 2015
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African ancestry, hypertension associated with increased IOP in Latinos

African ancestry and hypertension were found to be risk factors for increased IOP in Latinos, according to a study.

Using data from the population-based Los Angeles Latino Eye Study, researchers estimated genetic ancestry of 3,541 participants. Mean age of participants was 54.9 years, and 40.6% of participants were men.

Average proportion of African ancestry in participants was 3.1% and mean IOP was 14.6 mm Hg.

After adjusting for covariates of age, gender, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, central corneal thickness, type 2 diabetes, smoking status and income, African ancestry remained significantly associated with increased IOP (P =.0005). For every 1% increase in proportion of African ancestry, there was a 0.033 mm Hg increase in IOP; in hypertensive individuals, a three-fold increase in IOP was seen (0.105 mm Hg; P = .008).

“Taken together, Latinos with a high percent of African ancestry, and who also have hypertension, may be at risk for increased IOP and, potentially, a higher risk of glaucoma,” the researchers wrote. – by Kate Sherrer

Disclosure: The authors report no relevant financial relationships.