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 (IOP greater than 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.