Helicobacter pylori infection and primary open-angle glaucoma: is there a connection?

Glaucoma, the most common form of which is primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), is a neurodegenerative disease which is the second most common cause of blindness worldwide. Among the factors that have been implicated in the pathophysiology of this disease is infection with Helicobacter pylori. This alleged association has caused a great deal of scientific discussion during the past decade, as the establishment of such a correlation might lead to therapeutic applications for all glaucoma patients. In this review, we assess all relevant major studies and trials in an effort to elucidate the issue.

Alzheimer's disease and primary open-angle glaucoma: is there a connection?

AIM: To present, through a thorough literature research, current and older scientific efforts to investigate the putative association between Alzheimer's disease (AD) and glaucoma, especially primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). METHODS: We included in our review article epidemiological, experimental and clinical laboratory studies. RESULTS: While many authors support the existence of a strong correlation between the AD and POAG, based on epidemiological, genetic and immunohistochemical data, others present contradictory results, leaving the issue unresolved. CONCLUSION: Further research, probably targeted towards genetic parameters and based on large, multicenter studies has yet to be conducted. It is the authors' opinion however, that the existing data already justify the need for at least some degree of elevated clinical alertness for the occurrence of AD in patients with glaucoma and of glaucoma in patients with AD.