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PURPOSE: The genetic etiology of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is still largely unknown, because of its complexity and disparities in its classification. This study was undertaken to determine the genetic contribution to various early, continuous markers of POAG by assessing the heritability of intraocular pressure (IOP), retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness, and neuroretinal rim and optic disc parameters in a genetically isolated population. METHODS: A total of 2620 subjects (mean age, 48 years; range 18-86) from extended pedigrees living in a small town in The Netherlands underwent an extensive ophthalmic examination. Their IOP was measured by Goldmann applanation tonometry, their RNFL thickness by scanning laser polarimetry (GDx VCC), and their optic disc parameters by confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (HRT II). Risk associations were explored by linear regression analyses and heritability estimates by variance component methods. RESULTS: Inbreeding was present in 2042 (81%) participants, and was significantly associated with a higher IOP (P < 0.001). The heritability estimate for IOP was 0.35 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.27-0.43); for RNFL thickness, 0.48 (95% CI, 0.35-0.60); and for neuroretinal rim area, 0.39 (95% CI, 0.20-0.58). Nongenetic factors accounted for only a small proportion (

Original publication

DOI

10.1167/iovs.06-1519

Type

Journal article

Journal

Investigative ophthalmology & visual science

Publication Date

08/2007

Volume

48

Pages

3669 - 3676

Addresses

Glaucoma Service, The Rotterdam Eye Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. koolwijk@oogziekenhuis.nl

Keywords

Nerve Fibers, Myelinated, Retinal Ganglion Cells, Optic Disk, Humans, Glaucoma, Open-Angle, Cohort Studies, Consanguinity, Intraocular Pressure, Quantitative Trait, Heritable, Adolescent, Adult, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Middle Aged, Netherlands, Female, Male, Genetic Linkage