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Science and Research
Glaucoma research
Our researchers are among the world’s top scientists investigating the causes of glaucoma and how it can be better treated. We collaborate across research areas including gene therapy, mitochondrial research and clinical genetics.
Overview
Glaucoma involves the progressive death of retinal ganglion cells in the eye, resulting in irreversible vision loss. Our long-term goal is to not only prevent vision loss from glaucoma, but to potentially restore sight that has already been lost.
To do this, our scientists work across a number of research areas to investigate glaucoma, including gene therapy, clinical genetics and mitochondrial research.
Some of the areas CERA researchers are investigating include how to regenerate the optic nerve after damage, the role of defective mitochondria in glaucoma, the potential of vitamin B3 to support glaucoma treatments, and the development of a genetic test that could predict risk of glaucoma.
Why this research is important
Thanks to research, we now have effective treatments that can dramatically slow the progress of glaucoma by lowering eye pressure. However, because people often don’t notice any symptoms until the disease has progressed, glaucoma remains the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide.
In addition, some people with severe glaucoma continue to deteriorate even when very low eye pressure is achieved. This is why research to improve our scientific understanding of the condition and find new treatments is essential.
Key research questions
- Can gene therapy be used to treat patients with glaucoma whose vision is deteriorating despite conventional treatment to lower the eye pressure?
- Can we regenerate the damaged optic nerve to achieve useful restoration of vision?
- Can Vitamin B3 supplementation protect or improve visual function in glaucoma patients?
- Can high resolution imaging of aqueous outflow (Haemoglobin Video Imaging) help improve the efficacy of glaucoma surgery?