Aging and eye disease - Revision history

Dmitry Dzhagarov at 19:25, 10 March 2024

2024-03-10T19:25:57Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:25, 10 March 2024
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	=== Age-related macular degeneration ===		=== Age-related macular degeneration ===
	Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common, age-related condition that affects the central area of the retina, which has the highest density of photoreceptors or light sensing cells. As such, it usually does not lead to blindness, but damage to the area can result in significant loss of central vision. Accumulation in the retina of the autofluorescent pigment [[lipofuscin]] leads to retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) apoptosis, and is believed to mediate the visual loss associated to some forms of AMD, such as dry-AMD.<ref>Wolf G. Lipofuscin and macular degeneration. Nutr Rev. 2003 Oct;61(10):342-6. doi: 10.1301/nr.2003.oct.342-346. PMID: 14604266.</ref> Therefore, removal of lipofuscin from RPE cells has been proposed as a therapeutic strategy to treat dry-AMD conditions.<ref>Radu RA, Mata NL, Nusowitz S, et al. Treatment with isotretinoin inhibits lipofuscin accumulation in a mouse model of recessive Stargardt’s macular de- generation. Proc Nat Acad Sci U S A. 2003;100: 4742–4747.</ref~~> <references /~~>		Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common, age-related condition that affects the central area of the retina, which has the highest density of photoreceptors or light sensing cells. As such, it usually does not lead to blindness, but damage to the area can result in significant loss of central vision. Accumulation in the retina of the autofluorescent pigment [[lipofuscin]] leads to retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) apoptosis, and is believed to mediate the visual loss associated to some forms of AMD, such as dry-AMD.<ref>Wolf G. Lipofuscin and macular degeneration. Nutr Rev. 2003 Oct;61(10):342-6. doi: 10.1301/nr.2003.oct.342-346. PMID: 14604266.</ref> Therefore, removal of lipofuscin from RPE cells has been proposed as a therapeutic strategy to treat dry-AMD conditions.<ref>Radu RA, Mata NL, Nusowitz S, et al. Treatment with isotretinoin inhibits lipofuscin accumulation in a mouse model of recessive Stargardt’s macular de- generation. Proc Nat Acad Sci U S A. 2003;100: 4742–4747.</ref>

	ADORA2A (adenosine receptor 2A) inhibition with a small-molecule KW6002 (Istradefylline) may be a therapeutic approach to treat subretinal fibrosis associated with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD), the leading cause of vision loss in older adults.<ref>Qiuhua Yang et al. (Mar 2024). [https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/scitranslmed.adk3868 "Inactivation of adenosine receptor 2A suppresses endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition and inhibits subretinal fibrosis in mice"]. SCIENCE TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE, 16(737) doi:10.1126/scitranslmed.adk3868</ref>		ADORA2A (adenosine receptor 2A) inhibition with a small-molecule KW6002 (Istradefylline) may be a therapeutic approach to treat subretinal fibrosis associated with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD), the leading cause of vision loss in older adults.<ref>Qiuhua Yang et al. (Mar 2024). [https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/scitranslmed.adk3868 "Inactivation of adenosine receptor 2A suppresses endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition and inhibits subretinal fibrosis in mice"]. SCIENCE TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE, 16(737) doi:10.1126/scitranslmed.adk3868</ref>

Dmitry Dzhagarov: /* Age-related macular degeneration */

2024-03-10T19:22:56Z

Age-related macular degeneration

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:22, 10 March 2024
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	=== Age-related macular degeneration ===		=== Age-related macular degeneration ===
	Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common, age-related condition that affects the central area of the retina, which has the highest density of photoreceptors or light sensing cells. As such, it usually does not lead to blindness, but damage to the area can result in significant loss of central vision. Accumulation in the retina of the autofluorescent pigment [[lipofuscin]] leads to retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) apoptosis, and is believed to mediate the visual loss associated to some forms of AMD, such as dry-AMD.<ref>Wolf G. Lipofuscin and macular degeneration. Nutr Rev. 2003 Oct;61(10):342-6. doi: 10.1301/nr.2003.oct.342-346. PMID: 14604266.</ref> Therefore, removal of lipofuscin from RPE cells has been proposed as a therapeutic strategy to treat dry-AMD conditions.<ref>Radu RA, Mata NL, Nusowitz S, et al. Treatment with isotretinoin inhibits lipofuscin accumulation in a mouse model of recessive Stargardt’s macular de- generation. Proc Nat Acad Sci U S A. 2003;100: 4742–4747.</ref> <references />		Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common, age-related condition that affects the central area of the retina, which has the highest density of photoreceptors or light sensing cells. As such, it usually does not lead to blindness, but damage to the area can result in significant loss of central vision. Accumulation in the retina of the autofluorescent pigment [[lipofuscin]] leads to retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) apoptosis, and is believed to mediate the visual loss associated to some forms of AMD, such as dry-AMD.<ref>Wolf G. Lipofuscin and macular degeneration. Nutr Rev. 2003 Oct;61(10):342-6. doi: 10.1301/nr.2003.oct.342-346. PMID: 14604266.</ref> Therefore, removal of lipofuscin from RPE cells has been proposed as a therapeutic strategy to treat dry-AMD conditions.<ref>Radu RA, Mata NL, Nusowitz S, et al. Treatment with isotretinoin inhibits lipofuscin accumulation in a mouse model of recessive Stargardt’s macular de- generation. Proc Nat Acad Sci U S A. 2003;100: 4742–4747.</ref> <references />

			ADORA2A (adenosine receptor 2A) inhibition with a small-molecule KW6002 (Istradefylline) may be a therapeutic approach to treat subretinal fibrosis associated with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD), the leading cause of vision loss in older adults.<ref>Qiuhua Yang et al. (Mar 2024). [https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/scitranslmed.adk3868 "Inactivation of adenosine receptor 2A suppresses endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition and inhibits subretinal fibrosis in mice"]. SCIENCE TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE, 16(737) doi:10.1126/scitranslmed.adk3868</ref>

			== References ==
			<references />

	[[Category:Age-related diseases]]		[[Category:Age-related diseases]]
	[[Category:Main list]]		[[Category:Main list]]

Andrea: /* Age-related macular degeneration */

2023-02-17T19:00:35Z

Age-related macular degeneration

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:00, 17 February 2023
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	=== Age-related macular degeneration ===		=== Age-related macular degeneration ===
	Age-related macular degeneration affects the central area of the retina, which has the highest density of photoreceptors or light sensing cells. As such, damage to the area can result in significant central visual loss. <references />		Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common, age-related condition that affects the central area of the retina, which has the highest density of photoreceptors or light sensing cells. As such, it usually does not lead to blindness, but damage to the area can result in significant loss of central vision. Accumulation in the retina of the autofluorescent pigment [[lipofuscin]] leads to retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) apoptosis, and is believed to mediate the visual loss associated to some forms of AMD, such as dry-AMD.<ref>Wolf G. Lipofuscin and macular degeneration. Nutr Rev. 2003 Oct;61(10):342-6. doi: 10.1301/nr.2003.oct.342-346. PMID: 14604266.</ref> Therefore, removal of lipofuscin from RPE cells has been proposed as a therapeutic strategy to treat dry-AMD conditions.<ref>Radu RA, Mata NL, Nusowitz S, et al. Treatment with isotretinoin inhibits lipofuscin accumulation in a mouse model of recessive Stargardt’s macular de- generation. Proc Nat Acad Sci U S A. 2003;100: 4742–4747.</ref> <references />
	[[Category:Age-related diseases]]		[[Category:Age-related diseases]]
	[[Category:Main list]]		[[Category:Main list]]

Andrea: edited entry (mostly clean-up)

2022-12-27T12:12:37Z

edited entry (mostly clean-up)

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:12, 27 December 2022
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	~~{{Draft-article }}~~Most eye diseases and uncorrectable visual impairments are age-related. A recent US based study demonstrated visual impairment increases as a function of age and is even more prevalent than previous accounts.<ref name=":1">Flaxman, A. D., Wittenborn, J. S., Robalik, T., Gulia, R., Gerzoff, R. B., Lundeen, E. A., ... & Vision and Eye Health Surveillance System study group. (2021). Prevalence of Visual Acuity Loss or Blindness in the US: A Bayesian Meta-analysis. ''JAMA ophthalmology''.</ref>		Most eye diseases and uncorrectable visual impairments are age-related. A recent US based study demonstrated visual impairment increases as a function of age and is even more prevalent than previous accounts.<ref name=":1">Flaxman, A. D., Wittenborn, J. S., Robalik, T., Gulia, R., Gerzoff, R. B., Lundeen, E. A., ... & Vision and Eye Health Surveillance System study group. (2021). Prevalence of Visual Acuity Loss or Blindness in the US: A Bayesian Meta-analysis. ''JAMA ophthalmology''.</ref>

	The most prevalent eye diseases (glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy) all increase with age. Presbyopia and senile cataracts, considered a part of normal aging, are also common contributors to visual impairment that while treatable are not always accessible. Ocular surface disease is a less appreciated condition that also increases with age.<ref>Di Zazzo, A., Micera, A., Coassin, M., Varacalli, G., Foulsham, W., De Piano, M., & Bonini, S. (2019). Inflammaging at ocular surface: clinical and biomolecular analyses in healthy volunteers. ''Investigative ophthalmology & visual science'', ''60''(5), 1769-1775.</ref><ref name=":1" /><ref>Den, S., Shimizu, K., Ikeda, T., Tsubota, K., Shimmura, S., & Shimazaki, J. (2006). Association between meibomian gland changes and aging, sex, or tear function. ''Cornea'', ''25''(6), 651-655.</ref><ref>Arita, R., Itoh, K., Inoue, K., Maeda, S., Maeda, K., Furuta, A., ... & Amano, S. (2009). Noncontact Meibography detects changes in meibomian glands in the Aging process in a normal Population and patients with meibomian gland dysfunction. ''Cornea'', ''28''(11), S75-S79.</ref>		The most prevalent eye diseases (glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy) all increase with age. Presbyopia and senile cataracts, considered a part of normal aging, are also common contributors to visual impairment that while treatable are not always accessible. Ocular surface disease is a less appreciated condition that also increases with age.<ref>Di Zazzo, A., Micera, A., Coassin, M., Varacalli, G., Foulsham, W., De Piano, M., & Bonini, S. (2019). Inflammaging at ocular surface: clinical and biomolecular analyses in healthy volunteers. ''Investigative ophthalmology & visual science'', ''60''(5), 1769-1775.</ref><ref name=":1" /><ref>Den, S., Shimizu, K., Ikeda, T., Tsubota, K., Shimmura, S., & Shimazaki, J. (2006). Association between meibomian gland changes and aging, sex, or tear function. ''Cornea'', ''25''(6), 651-655.</ref><ref>Arita, R., Itoh, K., Inoue, K., Maeda, S., Maeda, K., Furuta, A., ... & Amano, S. (2009). Noncontact Meibography detects changes in meibomian glands in the Aging process in a normal Population and patients with meibomian gland dysfunction. ''Cornea'', ''28''(11), S75-S79.</ref>

	=== ~~Cataract~~ ===		Some of the most common eye diseases related to aging are cataracts, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy or blepharitis and dry eyes.
	~~Cataract describes a~~ cloudiness of the crystalline lens, located inside the eye, just behind the iris. Clouding of the crystalline lens essentially is a universal occurrence in all humans with advancing age, but the degree and rate of progression can be highly variable. Often the lens change is gradual; mild lens changes can begin around age 40 with advancing opacity diagnosed as cataract or removed by surgery in greater than 50% of individuals by age 80.<ref>https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/cataracts</ref>
			=== Cataracts ===
			Cataracts refer to cloudiness of the crystalline lens located inside the eye, just behind the iris. Clouding of the crystalline lens essentially is a universal occurrence in all humans with advancing age, but the degree and rate of progression can be highly variable. Often the lens change is gradual; mild lens changes can begin around age 40 with advancing opacity diagnosed as cataract or removed by surgery in greater than 50% of individuals by age 80.<ref>https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/cataracts</ref>

	==== Epidemiology ====		==== Epidemiology ====
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	==== Pathogenesis ====		==== Pathogenesis ====
	Most cataracts are related to aging, but may rarely also be either congenital, induced by trauma or ~~resulting~~ from toxicity. Speciallized lens proteins known as crystallins compose the lens lending to its transparency. The process has yet to be fully defined, but generally oxidation accelerates while metabolic activity slows in aged eyes, lending to modification and accumulation of lens proteins.<ref>Lam, D., Rao, S. K., Ratra, V., Liu, Y., Mitchell, P., King, J., ... & Chang, D. F. (2015). Cataract. ''Nature reviews Disease primers'', ''1''(1), 1-15.</ref> More recent investigations into differentially expressed microRNA (miRNA) in cataractous eyes discovered eight differentially expressed miRNAs that could be involved in the pathogenesis of senile cataract. The miRNA discovered were noted to be related to oxidative stress and autophagy.<ref>Kim, Y. J., Lee, W. J., Ko, B. W., Lim, H. W., Yeon, Y., Ahn, S. J., & Lee, B. R. (2021). Investigation of microRNA expression in anterior lens capsules of senile cataract patients and microRNA differences according to the cataract type. ''Translational Vision Science & Technology'', ''10''(2), 14-14.</ref> Metabolic conditions, particularly diabetes, can accelerate cataract formation. Corticosteroids, radiation and heat are also associated with increased cataract formation.		Most cataracts are related to aging, but may rarely also be either congenital, induced by trauma or result from toxicity. Speciallized lens proteins known as crystallins compose the lens lending to its transparency. The process has yet to be fully defined, but generally oxidation accelerates while metabolic activity slows in aged eyes, lending to modification and accumulation of lens proteins.<ref>Lam, D., Rao, S. K., Ratra, V., Liu, Y., Mitchell, P., King, J., ... & Chang, D. F. (2015). Cataract. ''Nature reviews Disease primers'', ''1''(1), 1-15.</ref> More recent investigations into differentially expressed microRNA (miRNA) in cataractous eyes discovered eight differentially expressed miRNAs that could be involved in the pathogenesis of senile cataract. The miRNA discovered were noted to be related to oxidative stress and autophagy.<ref>Kim, Y. J., Lee, W. J., Ko, B. W., Lim, H. W., Yeon, Y., Ahn, S. J., & Lee, B. R. (2021). Investigation of microRNA expression in anterior lens capsules of senile cataract patients and microRNA differences according to the cataract type. ''Translational Vision Science & Technology'', ''10''(2), 14-14.</ref> Metabolic conditions, particularly diabetes, can accelerate cataract formation. Corticosteroids, radiation and heat are also associated with increased cataract formation.

	==== Symptoms ====		==== Symptoms ====
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	==== Treatments ====		==== Treatments ====
	The primary treatment of cataracts is surgical and cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed surgeries in developed nations. However, as previously mentioned, there remains a large need for cataract surgery in some parts of the world		The primary treatment of cataracts is surgical and cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed surgeries in developed nations. However, as previously mentioned, there remains a large need for cataract surgery in some parts of the world

	=== Glaucoma ===		=== Glaucoma ===
	Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases ~~causing~~ deterioration of the optic nerve, the nerve that connects the eye to the brain.<ref>https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/glaucoma</ref> The most common type of glaucoma is known as primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) and is age-related, but glaucoma can also more rarely be congenital. Generally, risk for glaucoma increases starting around age 40.<ref>https://glaucomafoundation.org/aboutglaucoma/whos-at-risk/</ref> Association studies have long demonstrated having a family history, especially of a first degree relative with glaucoma, is a risk factor. More recently specific gene associations have also been identified.<ref>Gramer, G., Weber, B. H., & Gramer, E. (2014). Results of a patient-directed survey on frequency of family history of glaucoma in 2170 patients. ''Investigative ophthalmology & visual science'', ''55''(1), 259-264.</ref>		Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases and its pathogenesis is multifactorial. Glaucoma causes deterioration of the optic nerve, the nerve that connects the eye to the brain.<ref>https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/glaucoma</ref> The most common type of glaucoma is known as primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) and is age-related, but glaucoma can also more rarely be congenital. Generally, risk for glaucoma increases starting around age 40.<ref>https://glaucomafoundation.org/aboutglaucoma/whos-at-risk/</ref> Association studies have long demonstrated having a family history, especially of a first degree relative with glaucoma, is a risk factor. More recently specific gene associations have also been identified.<ref>Gramer, G., Weber, B. H., & Gramer, E. (2014). Results of a patient-directed survey on frequency of family history of glaucoma in 2170 patients. ''Investigative ophthalmology & visual science'', ''55''(1), 259-264.</ref>

	~~==== Epidemiology ====~~

	~~==== Pathogenesis ====~~
	~~As previously stated, glaucoma is a group of diseases and it's pathogenesis is multifactorial.~~

	~~==== Symptoms ====~~

	~~==== Treatments ====~~

	~~=== Age Related Macular Degeneration ===~~
	Age-related macular degeneration affects the central area of the retina which has the highest density of photoreceptors or light sensing cells, as such, damage to the area can result in significant central visual loss.

	~~==== Epidemiology ====~~

	~~==== Pathogenesis ====~~

	~~==== Symptoms ====~~

	~~==== Treatments ====~~

	~~=== Diabetic Retinopathy ===~~


	~~Epidemiology~~

	~~==== Pathogenesis ====~~

	~~==== Symptoms ====~~

	~~==== Treatments ====~~

	~~==== Definition ====~~

	=== ~~Blepharitis and Dry Eyes~~ ===		=== Age-related macular degeneration ===
	<references />		Age-related macular degeneration affects the central area of the retina, which has the highest density of photoreceptors or light sensing cells. As such, damage to the area can result in significant central visual loss. <references />
	[[Category:Age-related diseases]]		[[Category:Age-related diseases]]
	[[Category:Main list]]		[[Category:Main list]]

Andrea at 11:14, 27 December 2022

2022-12-27T11:14:16Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:14, 27 December 2022
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	<references />		<references />
	[[Category:Age-related diseases]]		[[Category:Age-related diseases]]
			[[Category:Main list]]

Andrea: category change

2022-12-27T09:34:43Z

category change

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:34, 27 December 2022
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	=== Blepharitis and Dry Eyes ===		=== Blepharitis and Dry Eyes ===
	<references />		<references />
	[[Category:~~Longevity~~]]		[[Category:Age-related diseases]]

Bogdan at 11:29, 21 June 2022

2022-06-21T11:29:45Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:29, 21 June 2022
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	=== Blepharitis and Dry Eyes ===		=== Blepharitis and Dry Eyes ===
			<references />
			[[Category:Longevity]]

173.69.151.21: /* Pathogenesis */

2021-11-08T02:41:06Z

Pathogenesis

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:41, 8 November 2021
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	{{Draft-article }}Most visual impairments ~~which are uncorrectable by glasses or contact lenses,~~ are age-related~~. Primary age-related eye conditions include cataract, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. Blepharitis and dry eyes also increase with aging~~. A recent study demonstrated visual impairment ~~in the US~~ increases as a function of age and is even more prevalent than previous accounts ~~resulting~~ in ~~large economic costs~~ are ~~incurred because of~~ age-~~related visual impairment~~.		{{Draft-article }}Most eye diseases and uncorrectable visual impairments are age-related. A recent US based study demonstrated visual impairment increases as a function of age and is even more prevalent than previous accounts.<ref name=":1">Flaxman, A. D., Wittenborn, J. S., Robalik, T., Gulia, R., Gerzoff, R. B., Lundeen, E. A., ... & Vision and Eye Health Surveillance System study group. (2021). Prevalence of Visual Acuity Loss or Blindness in the US: A Bayesian Meta-analysis. ''JAMA ophthalmology''.</ref>

			The most prevalent eye diseases (glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy) all increase with age. Presbyopia and senile cataracts, considered a part of normal aging, are also common contributors to visual impairment that while treatable are not always accessible. Ocular surface disease is a less appreciated condition that also increases with age.<ref>Di Zazzo, A., Micera, A., Coassin, M., Varacalli, G., Foulsham, W., De Piano, M., & Bonini, S. (2019). Inflammaging at ocular surface: clinical and biomolecular analyses in healthy volunteers. ''Investigative ophthalmology & visual science'', ''60''(5), 1769-1775.</ref><ref name=":1" /><ref>Den, S., Shimizu, K., Ikeda, T., Tsubota, K., Shimmura, S., & Shimazaki, J. (2006). Association between meibomian gland changes and aging, sex, or tear function. ''Cornea'', ''25''(6), 651-655.</ref><ref>Arita, R., Itoh, K., Inoue, K., Maeda, S., Maeda, K., Furuta, A., ... & Amano, S. (2009). Noncontact Meibography detects changes in meibomian glands in the Aging process in a normal Population and patients with meibomian gland dysfunction. ''Cornea'', ''28''(11), S75-S79.</ref>

	=== Cataract ===		=== Cataract ===
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	==== Definition ====		==== Definition ====

			=== Blepharitis and Dry Eyes ===
	Blepharitis and Dry Eyes

	A study utilizing specialized eyelid imaging called meibomianography, has demonstrated common subtype of blepharitis known as meibomian gland dysfunction has been shown to increase with aging<ref>Arita, R., Itoh, K., Inoue, K., Maeda, S., Maeda, K., Furuta, A., ... & Amano, S. (2009). Noncontact Meibography detects changes in meibomian glands in the Aging process in a normal Population and patients with meibomian gland dysfunction. ''Cornea'', ''28''(11), S75-S79.</ref>

173.69.151.21: /* Cataract */

2021-11-07T23:22:30Z

Cataract

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:22, 7 November 2021
Line 1:		Line 1:
	{{Draft-article }}Most visual impairments which are uncorrectable by glasses or contact lenses, are age-related. Primary age-related eye conditions include cataract, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. Blepharitis and dry eyes also increase with aging. A recent study demonstrated visual impairment in the US increases as a function of age and is even more prevalent than previous accounts~~. Large~~ economic costs are incurred because of age-related visual impairment.		{{Draft-article }}Most visual impairments which are uncorrectable by glasses or contact lenses, are age-related. Primary age-related eye conditions include cataract, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. Blepharitis and dry eyes also increase with aging. A recent study demonstrated visual impairment in the US increases as a function of age and is even more prevalent than previous accounts resulting in large economic costs are incurred because of age-related visual impairment.

	=== Cataract ===		=== Cataract ===

LindsayC: /* Treatments */

2021-11-07T02:26:41Z

Treatments

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:26, 7 November 2021
Line 14:		Line 14:

	==== Treatments ====		==== Treatments ====
	The primary treatment of cataracts is surgical and cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed surgeries in developed nations. However, as previously ~~mention~~, there remains a large need for cataract surgery in some parts of the world		The primary treatment of cataracts is surgical and cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed surgeries in developed nations. However, as previously mentioned, there remains a large need for cataract surgery in some parts of the world

	=== Glaucoma ===		=== Glaucoma ===
	Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases causing deterioration of the optic nerve, the nerve that connects the eye to the brain.<ref>https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/glaucoma</ref> The most common type of glaucoma is known as primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) and is age-related, but glaucoma can also more rarely be congenital. Generally, risk for glaucoma increases starting around age 40.<ref>https://glaucomafoundation.org/aboutglaucoma/whos-at-risk/</ref> Association studies have long demonstrated having a family history, especially of a first degree relative with glaucoma, is a risk factor. More recently ~~genetic~~ associations have also been ~~discovered~~.<ref>Gramer, G., Weber, B. H., & Gramer, E. (2014). Results of a patient-directed survey on frequency of family history of glaucoma in 2170 patients. ''Investigative ophthalmology & visual science'', ''55''(1), 259-264.</ref>		Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases causing deterioration of the optic nerve, the nerve that connects the eye to the brain.<ref>https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/glaucoma</ref> The most common type of glaucoma is known as primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) and is age-related, but glaucoma can also more rarely be congenital. Generally, risk for glaucoma increases starting around age 40.<ref>https://glaucomafoundation.org/aboutglaucoma/whos-at-risk/</ref> Association studies have long demonstrated having a family history, especially of a first degree relative with glaucoma, is a risk factor. More recently specific gene associations have also been identified.<ref>Gramer, G., Weber, B. H., & Gramer, E. (2014). Results of a patient-directed survey on frequency of family history of glaucoma in 2170 patients. ''Investigative ophthalmology & visual science'', ''55''(1), 259-264.</ref>

	==== Epidemiology ====		==== Epidemiology ====