African Descent and Glaucoma Evaluation Study (ADAGES)

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide.1 Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is the most prevalent form of glaucoma and is characterized by retinal ganglion cell death that results in optic nerve damage and visual field loss.2 Ancestry differences in the prevalence3-8 and incidence9,10 rates of POAG are well documented11 and show that individuals of African descent (AD) are at higher risk of POAG than those of European descent (ED).12-14 Primary open-angle glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness in AD individuals in the United States,5 and those who have developed POAG are more likely than ED individuals to develop visual impairment15 and blindness.16-18 Primary open-angle glaucoma progresses more rapidly18,19 and appears approximately 10 years earlier in AD compared with ED individuals.5,7,8,16,18,20,21