A recent study involved more than eleven thousand individuals of African descent, finds a link to glaucoma risk in 2024. Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness throughout the world and affects over forty four million people. Those with African ancestry tend to be more severely affected by this hereditary disease.

A team of instigators published their recent finding revealing unknown inherited genetic variants that contribute to open-angle glaucoma or POAG. This is the most common form of this eye disease. The study analysed over eleven thousand people of African descent.

The study showed that those with African descent are five times more likely to have glaucoma and fifteen times more likely to experience vision loss or blindness as a result. This was compared to those of European ancestry. Treatments for this eye disease are not adequate and medicine could be used if teams had a better understanding of the pathophysiology of this inherited disease.

Open-angle glaucoma is when the drainage of the eye becomes blocked. This leads to a build up of pressure inside the eye. When the pressure rises too much, it can damage the optic nerve, which results in permanent vision loss. People with this eye disease often lose their peripheral vision first, then their central vision. There are no early warning signs or symptoms. Often by the time vision loss is experienced the permanent damage is already caused.

Ray Man, the PA to Mahi Muqit of the Harley Street Eye Clinic, said “The study worked with African descendants offering glaucoma screenings at senior centres and churches. The campaign promoted the importance of glaucoma screening and was offered at no charge. This provided the investigators with enough data and samples, out of the 11.275 people, over six thousand had glaucoma.”

Being able to identify glaucoma early could be the solution to this eye disease, enabling patients to secure early treatment. Right now treatment is not an option as the only symptoms associated with this eye disease is only noticed, once permanent damage is already done. The Harley Street Eye Clinic team are using this study to raise awareness about glaucoma in African ancestry and encouraging those patients to come in for regular screening, as a result.

About Us:

Mahi Muqit is a leading consultant ophthalmologist, cataract and vitreoretinal surgeon at two private clinics in London, United Kingdom. He provides patients with superior service and support with a range of surgical procedures to meet their eye sight requirements. He has built up a solid reputation for his eye services in the London area as an expert eye doctor and surgeon offering surgical retina, medical retina and complex cataract surgery. He also offers surgery to patients suffering from diabetic retinopathy. Mahi Muqit is a member of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, a member of the British and Eire Association of Vitreoretinal Surgeons and the UK and Ireland Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons. To find out more, visit https://www.retinasurgeon.uk.com/.