One may consider the question regarding the potential influence of either sex or ethnicity on glaucoma one that is purely academic. Undoubtedly, the influence of intraocular pressure on the course of glaucoma is unquestionable. Several well done clinical trials now exist which establish intraocular pressure as a major determinant of the glaucomatous disease process. The Ocular Hypertension Treatment Study1 has documented the protective benefits of treating patients with an elevated intraocular pressure but 'normal' optic nerves and 'normal' visual fields. The Early Manifest Glaucoma Treatment Study2 confirmed the benefit of treating patients with glaucoma. Therefore, is there a need to look any further for significant contributory factors for either the differences in prevalence or treatment of glaucoma?
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