New genetic test better at diagnosing glaucoma

Australian researchers have developed a genetic test for glaucoma that can identify 15 times more people at high risk for glaucoma when compared to the genetic test that is currently used.

By analyzing blood or saliva samples, the new test may identify people at high risk of glaucoma before irreversible vision damage has occurred. Often undetected until too much damage has been done to vision, chronic open-angle glaucoma is painless. Early detection of the disease can help minimize vision loss.

Researchers conducted a study involving more than 2,500 Australians with glaucoma as well as more than 411,000 people in the United Kingdom with or without glaucoma. The study revealed that the new screening method offers promise in offering earlier detection of the sight-robbing disease.

Clinical trials will be the next step and recruitment for these trials are expected to begin in 2022.