A Population-Based Study of Pharmacogenetics and Glaucoma

Beta-blockers are a common class of medication used to lower intraocular pressure. Interestingly, this same class of medications is used orally to treat high blood pressure, and genetics have been shown to play a role in how a person responds to this medication. Dr. McCarty believes that genetics is also associated with how a person responds to a prescription for medication to lower intraocular pressure. Her goal is to ultimately improve treatment of patients with glaucoma and ocular hypertension. In the future this study may lead to an assessment as to whether prescription medications based on genotype would improve cost effectiveness and preserve visual function in people with glaucoma and intraocular hypertension.