The Prevalence of HLA-B12 and HLA-B7 Antigens in Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma

HLA-B12 antigen was found in 50% and HLA-B7 was present in 49% of patients with primary open-angle glaucoma. Either one of the antigens B12 or B7 was noted in 88% of such glaucoma patients. The prevalences of B12,B7, or of either antigen were much greater in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma than in the general population or in patients with normal intraocular pressure. The prevalences in patients with ocular hypertension (lOP > 20 mm Hg) were intermediate between the ocular normotensives and the patients with primary open-angle glaucoma. The close association between HLA-B12 and HLA-B7 and primary open-angle glaucoma suggested immunologic components of the disease and possible convenient genetic markers.