There are 2.2 million Americans suffering with glaucoma and only half of them are aware of it. The World Health Organization estimates 60 million people across the world are suffering from glaucoma. Open Angle glaucoma is a chronic condition that results in blindness due to an increase of intraocular pressure. The Glaucoma Research Foundation has been very dedicated to and active in researching the physiology of glaucoma development.
“Catalyst for a Cure” is a research study program that has used a combination of disciplines ranging in genetics, basal cell development, neurology, and retina to further a collaborative research program to understand development of glaucoma and how to diagnose and treat it earlier in order that blindness may be prevented. Since deterioration of retinal ganglion cells (RGC’s) is what causes loss of vision in glaucoma patients, there must be development of tests and instruments to observe the deterioration. Through advancements of the group, researchers found subtypes of RGC’s that change shape before others during the early stages of glaucoma. To further their studies, they developed a new ophthalmic adaptive optics instrument that will observe optic fibers and retinal blood vessels. Through their studies they have now found ways to detect the biomarkers of the shape-changing RGC’s that indicate glaucoma onset. With this instrument and collaborative developments to observe inner retinal metabolism and RGC axon transport, and hemodynamic changes in intrinsic light scattering new advances seem promising for a not-so-blinded future.
Many millions of dollars have been dedicated to glaucoma research and advancement of detection and treatment since the late 1970’s. I recently had my pressure checked in my eyes and had very little if any discomfort during my tests. This was certainly less anxiety for me as I don’t particularly like the old “air tests”. Various prescription drugs (not strictly governed by the FDA), optic drops, and laser surgery are the most common treatments and are not necessarily the “ideal treatments”; gingko biloba and alcohol are found not to be effective; marijuana use is only found to reduce intraocular pressure for short periods of time, and many people are losing their sight due to unknown causes of this condition. Now “Catalyst for a Cure” has applied innovative technology and collaborative knowledge to bring us to heights of sight and seeing a brighter future.
“Glaucoma”, National Institute of Health. http://www.nlh.nih.gov/medicineplus/encyclopedia/glaucoma
The Biomarker Initiative: 2013 Update, Glaucoma Research Foundation. http://www.glaucoma.org/research/the-biomarker-initiative