Predictors of Glaucoma Conversion in an African Ancestry Cohort: A Longitudinal Study

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Glaucoma Research
• Public Health

Background:

• Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is a leading cause of irreversible blindness globally.
• Individuals of African ancestry exhibit a higher prevalence and incidence of POAG.
• Identifying risk factors for POAG conversion in glaucoma suspects is crucial for early intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine risk factors associated with the progression from glaucoma suspect to POAG.
• To investigate these risk factors specifically within a population of African ancestry.

Main Methods:

• A prospective case-control study was conducted with 330 glaucoma suspects.
• Participants were followed for a median of 6.71 years.
• Risk factors for conversion to POAG were analyzed using Cox proportional hazard models.

Main Results:

• 13.6% of glaucoma suspects converted to POAG during the study period.
• Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) (≥21 mmHg), absence of hypertension, and myopia (≤-0.5D) were significant risk factors for POAG conversion.
• Univariate analysis also indicated associations between RNFL characteristics and conversion risk.

Conclusions:

• Higher IOP, absence of hypertension, and myopia are independently associated with an increased risk of POAG conversion in glaucoma suspects of African ancestry.
• These findings can guide the development of targeted screening and management strategies for high-risk individuals.
• The association between absence of hypertension and POAG conversion warrants further investigation into the complex interplay between systemic blood pressure and glaucoma.