deCODE Glaucoma™

A novel DNA-based test that assesses risk for exfoliation glaucoma. Individuals testing positive are at 2.4-times the population average risk of developing exfoliation glaucoma.

Screening and prevention

How deCODE Glaucoma™ can help.

deCODE Glaucoma™ identifies those who are at increased genetic risk of developing open angle glaucoma

The deCODE Glaucoma™ risk results are independent of and complementary to other known risk factors such as family history of glaucoma or elevated eye pressure.

Those who test positive may derive greatest benefit from regular eye exams, with the aim of detecting more disease earlier and treating it to slow progression and preserve vision.

The discovery of glaucoma genes provides a method for identifying those at highest risk and thereby of targeting and improving early detection efforts.

By understanding the inherited risk of developing glaucoma it may be possible to take preventive action – through regular eye-exams or certain treatments – to minimize the likelihood of the devastating consequences of glaucoma: vision loss or blindness. This applies particularly to patients with known glaucoma genetic risk factors and their family members, as well as families with a strong history of inherited glaucoma.

Those at high risk for developing glaucoma may derive particular benefit from regular monitoring of the eye pressure by a physician.

Independent of the family history for glaucoma the genetic risk markers detected by deCODE Glaucoma™ are important, since they may be part of the familial risk or an addition to it. The test therefore provides novel risk information, which may help the individual and his/her physician to decide on future monitoring, prevention and/or specific treatments.

This content was last reviewed on January 25, 2011.