Serum Homocysteine Levels in Pseudoexfoliative Glaucoma and Primary Open Angle Glaucoma

Purpose: To compare the serum homocysteine (Hcy) level in healthy control individuals and in patient with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) and pseudoexfoliative glaucoma (PEXG) Methods: In this cross sectional study, 79 subjects including 36 patients with PEXG, 23 patients with POAG, and 20 matched healthy control individuals were recruited. Those who used alcohol and mediations affecting Hcy levels were excluded. The level of serum Hcy was measured by Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA) method. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare Hcy levels among PEXG, POAG and control groups. Results: The mean ages were 68.9, 63.3, and 64.7 years in PEXG, POAG, and control groups, respectively (P=0.053); and 64%, 52%, and 60% were male in three study groups, respectively (P=0.67). The mean Hcy levels in PEXG, POAG and control groups were 12.21±4.93, 10.20±5.25, and 11.59±3.87 μmol/l, respectively (P=0.293; ANOVA). There was not a significant correlation between Hcy levels and diabetes, hyperlipidemia (HLP), hypertension (HTN), and cigarette smoking among diagnostic groups. Conclusion: No significant difference was found in Hcy levels among PEXG, POAG, and normal control group.