Genetic link to Glaucoma

A genetic cause for glaucoma may soon be discovered. Glaucoma is the leading cause of vision loss in the world. There are two types. The first is called Primary Open Angle Glaucoma or POAG. This is the form that people think of with the symptoms of increased eye pressure and pain. The second type is called Normal Pressure Glaucoma (NPG). This form is less common. The study was conducted by doctors Janey Wiggs M.D. and Lou Pasquale M.D. of the Harvard Glaucoma Center of Excellence and was published online at PLoS Genetics and reported via Medical News Today. The study consisted of studying the DNA samplings of 6,633 participants across the country. Half of the participants had POAG while the others did not. The report stated there are two possible genetic causes for glaucoma. The first was found on chromosome 9 (CDKN2BAS). The other was found on chromosome 8. It is believed that this altered gene may inhibit or affect the genes that regulate cell growth. This causes glaucoma to develop in the eyes. If the research is true this would eventually lead to a treatment for glaucoma. This would be great for the large number of people who suffer from glaucoma.