African Descent and Glaucoma Evaluation Study

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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According to the National Eye Institute, Glaucoma affects about three million Americans. Among Blacks in the United States, open- angle glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible visual loss. Glaucoma is four times more likely to develop in Blacks than in Whites. This is a prospective longitudinal, multi- site observational cohort study designed to obtain visual function and optic nerve structure data on eyes of Black and White Americans. The investigators will evaluate the relationship between changes in the structure of the eye and the vision loss caused by glaucoma.This is the first study where both populations are matched for quality of care and equal access to care.

Detailed Description
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The purpose of the study is: To further determine the nature of vision loss and optic nerve structural change associated with glaucoma. Using recently developed measures of visual function and techniques for imaging the eye, we will use a multivariate approach for analysis of the functional and structural changes associated with glaucoma to delineate further the relationship of these changes to the underlying physiological mechanisms.. To evaluate and improve new diagnostic and monitoring techniques encompassing measures of visual function and optic nerve and retina nerve fiber layer structure and to compare the rate and patterns of progression of glaucomatous damage in Black and White eyes. To improve techniques for evaluation of current management and new therapies for glaucoma as they become available. We will expand our analysis using multivariate techniques incorporating visual function, optic nerve structure, and various risk factors to improve detection of true change. We will determine whether the benefits found in Whites using visual function specific perimetry and optic disc imaging for earlier detection and for monitoring progression are also found for Blacks. To determine the quantitative temporal relationships between recognizable optic nerve damage and measurable visual field loss and how these relationships differ among Black and White patients. Using new techniques with improved sensitivity, the detection and monitoring of early optic disc defects may provide profiles of people at risk for developing glaucomatous visual function loss thus better defining target populations for treatment.

Official Title
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African Descent and Glaucoma Evaluation Study (Formerly African Americans With Glaucoma Study)

Conditions
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Primary Open Angle Glaucoma

Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Open angles Best-corrected acuity of 20/40 or better Spherical refraction within + 5.0 D, and cylinder within + 3.0 D with plus OR minus cylinders ≥ 18 years old A family history of glaucoma is allowed Ability to obtain adequate or better quality stereophotographs Ability to do reliable standard Humphrey 30-2 or 24-2 visual fields Participants with glaucoma or at risk for glaucoma or healthy controls Exclusion Criteria: History of intraocular surgery (except uncomplicated cataract or glaucoma surgery) Problems other than Glaucoma affecting color vision Non glaucomatous secondary causes of elevated IOP ( e.g. iridocyclitis, trauma) Other intraocular eye disease Other diseases affecting visual field (e:g pituitary lesions, demyelinating diseases, HIV+ or AIDS, or diabetic retinopathy) with medications known to affect visual field sensitivity Problems other than Glaucoma affecting color vision

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Healthy individuals<br>They will be considered if they are above 30 years old. There is no upper age limit. Subject can be either male or female, and from African or European Descent. They must speak, read, and understand English. They can be diagnosed with other health disorders. | |
| Persons at risk for or with primary open angle glaucoma<br>They will be considered if they are above 30 years old. There is no upper age limit. Subject can be either male or female, and from African or European Descent. They must speak, read, and understand English. They can be diagnosed with other health disorders. | |

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Primary open angle glaucoma, African American, Glaucoma/pathology, Glaucoma/ physiopathology, Nerve Fibers/pathology, Risk factor glaucoma