AUSTRALIAN researchers have identified 107 genes which increase a person's risk of developing glaucoma and need 20,000 new volunteers to help with their studies.
The research has been led by QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute and scientists hope to find more genes involved in the disease.
Glaucoma is characterised by gradual loss of vision due to progressive damage to the optic nerve.
Lead researcher Stuart MacGregor said identifying the new genes had enabled the team to develop a glaucoma polygenic risk score, which could predict who was likely to get the eye disease.
"Glaucoma is a genetic disease and the best way to prevent the loss of sight from glaucoma is through early detection and treatment," Associate Professor MacGregor said.
"Our study found that by analysing DNA collected from saliva or blood, we could determine how likely a person was to develop the disease and who should be offered early treatment and/or monitoring."
Unlike existing eye health checks, he said the genetic test could be done before damage began, allowing regular screening to take place.
"Having a high risk score doesn't mean you will definitely get glaucoma, but knowing you could be at future risk allows people to take the necessary precautions."
Associate Professor MacGregor said researchers wanted to not only pinpoint people who were susceptible to glaucoma, but also to determine at which age they were likely to get it.
"That would allow us to develop a personalised approach for earlier treatment of high-risk individuals and means people at lower risk could have less intensive monitoring and treatment," he said.
"This would have benefits for patients, doctors and the health care system with reduced interventions and reduced costs."
If you have been diagnosed with glaucoma and are interested in taking part in the study, click here.
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