One of the biggest challenges for treating glaucoma is detecting the disease before the eye is harmed.
This is why it’s called the ‘silent thief of sight’ – it can cause irreversible damage before noticeable vision loss occurs.
World Glaucoma Week (10-16 March 2024) is when the eye health community comes together to throw a spotlight on the disease and raise awareness of how early detection and treatment can save sight.
But even with all the progress we’ve made, we still need new ways to spot and treat the disease for the many people who go on to lose their vision.
In this edition of Visionary, we share how we’re using new scanning technology to try and identify biomarkers – signs in the body we use to find and monitor diseases – to detect sight-threatening glaucoma earlier and test new treatments more efficiently.
We also explain how a digital education model could help people newly diagnosed with glaucoma better understand the disease and the importance of taking their medication.
You’ll also find out how tiny structures that control blood flow within the eye are offering clues towards a whole new way of treating the condition.
CERA’s glaucoma research has progressed to this point thanks to the many people who have supported us on this mission, like Tom who participates in clinical studies and Heather who has chosen to leave a gift in her will to fund research.
If you would like to join them, please support our Glaucoma Appeal. Every donation brings us closer to our shared goal of a world free from vision loss and blindness.
Kind regards,
Professor Keith Martin
Managing Director
Centre for Eye Research Australia