Glaucoma Research

Angle closure glaucoma

To identify and characterise the optic nerve changes that occur following acute angle closure glaucoma and to identify the risk factors for people at risk of angle closure glaucoma.

Effect of aging and mitochondrial dysfunction on the optic nerve response to pressure-induced oxidative stress

To evaluate the effect of normal healthy aging on the functional and cellular repsonse of retinal ganglion cells to oxidative injury induced by intraocular pressure (IOP) challenge and to determine whether age-related changes in mitochondria underlie the increase in vulnerability to IOP seen in aging. This is assessed by quantifying functional and biochemical responses of the retina to IOP-induced oxidative stress in transgenic mice.

Effect of fluid biomechanics on ocular wound healing

Using an engineering-based approach we aim to determine the impact of mechanical forces on the wound healing response to glaucoma surgery.

Glaucoma biobank (BIG) project

To phenotype, stage and collect blood samples from 200 glaucoma patients for genomics and proteomics analysis at base line and five year time points.

Health economics of POAG

In connection with Access Economics we are assessing the health economics of primary open angle glaucoma.

Improvements to clinical service provision

To identify the current practice patterns adopted in the Glaucoma Investigation Research Unit (Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital) and assess how well they compare to international practice guidelines. Also, to assess whether administering prostaglandin analogues influence SLT outcomes in glaucoma patients, through a retrospective chart review.

Optic disc change in acute angle closure

To identify and characterise the optic nerve changes that occur following acute angle closure glaucoma and to identify the risk factors for people at risk of angle closure glaucoma. Study conducted through a prospective, observational study involving 20 patients presenting to the emergency department of the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital for treatment during an acute angle closure episode and a retrospective, case controlled, questionnaire and concomitant chart review.

Optic disc evaluation project (GONE project)

Internet-based assessment of practititioner's ability to diagnose glaucoma and to determine which characteristics of discs are frequently missed. This will allow for a targeted aproach to teaching optic disc exam. This study will also determine whether practitioners can differentiate glaucome from mitochondrial optic neuropathies based on optic disc phenotype.

Mitochondrial dysfunction and phenotype in the pathogenesis of optic neuropathies

To determine whether OXPHOS dysfunction is directly correlated with vision loss in Autosomal Dominant Optic Atrophy (ADOA) and open angle glaucoma, by developing robust assays for OSPHOS enzymology, examining gene expression and ntDNA deletions and developing assays for ATP synthesis and free radical quantification.

Ocular surface disease in glaucoma

To identify the prevalence of ocular surface disease in the glaucoma outpatient population of the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital and assess its correlation to reported treatment compliance. Clinical measures and concomitant questionnaire for this prospective, case controlled sample involving 100 experimental and 100 controls.

Treatment compliance in glaucoma

To explore the relationship between reading and comprehending eye drop label information, medication recall and compliance in outpatient glaucoma patients, by conducting questionnaire and concomitant chart reviews in 200 cases.

Treatment options for neovascular glaucoma patients

To compare the efficacy of intravitreal and intracameral Bevacizumab (Avastin TM) to produce regression of neovascularisation and controlling IOP in patients with neovascular glaucoma. Study conducted using a prospective, randomised control trail involving 40 patients presenting to the RVEEH for treatment of their neovascular glaucoma.

Wound healing - Anti-VEGF antibody effect on would healing in vitro and in vivo

Post-operative scarring is a major threat to successful glaucoma surgery. This study is investigating the best methods for lowering intraocular pressure, by regulating post-operative scar formation. Using standard and novel laboratory techniques we are gaining an understanding of the cellular response to anti-scarring agents that are of potential benefit in the post glaucoma surgery clinic.