Glaucoma, which is a complex heterogeneous disease, presents an ideal case for genetic investigation. Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is the commonest subtype and will be the focus of this review. When detected early, POAG is amenable to therapeutic intervention. Unfortunately, current population-based clinical screening lacks efficacy. If individuals with a genetic predisposition for developing POAG can be identified, then efficient and cost-effective population-based screening programs could be designed. Although considerable inroads have been made in understanding the natural history of POAG caused by mutations in the myocilin and optineurin genes, other POAG genes accounting for most cases remain to be identified. This review explores the genetic mechanisms that have been unequivocally linked to the glaucomatous process and then discusses potential avenues for future breakthroughs.

Item Type:	Refereed Article
Research Division:	Medical and Health Sciences
Research Group:	Ophthalmology and Optometry
Research Field:	Ophthalmology
Objective Division:	Health
Objective Group:	Clinical Health (Organs, Diseases and Abnormal Conditions)
Objective Field:	Hearing, Vision, Speech and Their Disorders
Author:	Hewitt, AW (Professor Alex Hewitt)
Author:	Mackey, DA (Professor David Mackey)
ID Code:	41591
Year Published:	2006
Web of Science® Times Cited:	56
Deposited By:	Medicine (Discipline)
Deposited On:	2006-08-01
Last Modified:	2014-10-08
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