Glaucoma, an optic neuropathy characterized by progressive visual field loss, is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. The condition has a substantial heritable basis, as illustrated by the numerous loci and genes identified to date, and the large proportion of patients having a family history.

Interleukin-1 (Il-1) is an important mediator of inflammation. There are 2 pro-inflammatory cytokines, Il-1 alpha and Il-1 beta. The genes encoding Il-1 are located within a 430kb region on chromosome 2q14.2. The role of Il-1 in glaucoma is a subject of recent interest. It has been shown that Il-1, produced endogenously by glaucomatous cells, inhibits the apoptotic response to oxidative stress, and Il-1 has also been reported to increase outflow facility by stimulating the _expression of matrix metalloproteinase enzymes, which in turn reduces extra cellular resistance. Recently, polymorphisms in Il-1 (particularly +3953T of the Il-1 β) were found to reduce the risk of primary open angle glaucoma. In this pilot study, we aim to investigate the role of Il-1 polymorphisms in both normal tension and high pressure glaucoma in our glaucoma patients. Both open and closed angle glaucoma will be studied. This is a pilot study of the role of immune system related polymorphisms and depending on the results, we may embark on a larger investigation of other immune genes in glaucoma