New Eye Syndrome Affecting Chinese Americans Is Often Misdiagnosed

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Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have discovered a new eye syndrome that is striking young and middle-aged Americans of Chinese descent. Fortunately, this condition appears to be less serious than glaucoma, a progressive eye disease that can lead to severe vision loss and blindness. Unfortunately, many ophthalmologists are mistakenly diagnosing it as glaucoma, exposing young Chinese American patients to aggressive, risky treatments-such as surgery-that may not be necessary.

According to the Stanford researchers, the confusion stems from the fact that both glaucoma and the new eye syndrome result from damage to the optic nerve. In glaucoma, one of the world's leading causes of blindness, the optic nerve damage is often caused by high levels of pressure within the eye. But the Stanford study, published in the March 2007 issue of Ophthalmology, found that many young Chinese Americans who are being diagnosed with glaucoma have normal eye pressure. Instead, the researchers theorize, their optic nerve damage may be caused by stretching of the eye associated with nearsightedness. This is a much less serious problem that does not necessarily lead to blindness and may even stabilize as the patient gets older.

Stanford ophthalmology professor Dr. Kuldev Singh and his fellow researchers are warning eye doctors to be cautious and not jump to conclusions when assessing young Chinese American patients who present with glaucoma-like symptoms. "If [the patients] don't appear to be progressing toward blindness right now, they shouldn't be treated as if they have a blinding condition, especially since surgery is associated with significant risks," says Singh.

—compiled by Pam Chwedyk