‘Glaucoma, genes and me’ – new research into glaucoma genetic risk

“It was very special being able to bring together participants, collaborators and sponsors, with a common goal in improving the care of patients with primary angle-closure glaucoma.”

An important conference was held last week at University College London to discuss the preliminary results of research into the genetic risk factors of a particular form of glaucoma – primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG), the second most common form of the condition.

Sponsored by the International Glaucoma Association, the event was attended by over 100 people, including many of the families who have participated in the research during the last three years. The project is being funded by a grant from The Richard Desmond Charitable Trust through Fight for Sight and carried out with the help of the Society of Genealogists who have helped to collect the family history data to facilitate this research.

Fight for Sight's president Mrs Faanya Rose at the conference

The research, led by Dr Paul Foster and Dr Sancy Low at UCL, is aimed at discovering the extent of the influence of genetic factors in the occurrence of PACG. The study involves a total of 80 families from the UK, all of whom include one relative who is affected by the condition. In addition to providing information on the project so far, the event also involved group discussions in order to discover the areas of most importance to PACG patients and their families, enabling the research to focus on those issues and improve patient care.

Results have already indicated that one in five first degree relatives of patients with PACG may also be at risk.

Speaking after the conference, Dr Low said: “Organising this event has been one of the highlights of my three years of research. It was very special being able to bring together participants, collaborators and sponsors, with a common goal in improving the care of patients with primary angle-closure glaucoma. Hopefully this is the first of many such events to come.”

Mrs Faanya Rose, Fight for Sight’s President, who spoke at the conference said: “Dr Foster’s findings on the genetic factors in the development of PACG are an important step forward at a time when there has never been a more pressing need to raise money to fund research for the prevention and treatment of blindness and eye disease.”

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For more information contact Annu Mayor  at Fight for Sight
020 7929 7755
press@fightforsight.org.uk

Note for Editors:

Fight for Sight’s current research programme of £5 million focuses on preventing and treating age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and cataract as well as causes of childhood blindness.