Three factors make glaucoma hard to treat: it’s often detected late, it takes time to measure disease progression, and there’s no treatment that works for everyone.
Solving these challenges would allow us to find those most at risk of losing their vision from glaucoma and providing them with the right treatment before their vision is lost.
Researchers at CERA are making progress towards solving all three of these problems.
In the laboratory, we’re looking closely at the eye to learn more about the cells that are affected in glaucoma which we hope will point us towards new treatments to prevent vision loss.
In the clinic, we’re looking at how advanced imaging can measure the progress of vision loss from glaucoma quicker than current methods, giving eye care professionals the information they need to make the best decision about which treatments to use.
All of this is also speeding up how clinical trials for new treatments are performed – bringing new treatments for the disease to more people.
This World Glaucoma Week, I’d like to ask you for two things.
First, next time you see your eye care professional check to see if you are at risk of developing the disease, especially if there is a history of it in your family.
The second is to consider donating to our Glaucoma Appeal so we can continue all the research you’ll read about in this edition of Visionary. Thank you for your ongoing support.
Professor Keith Martin
Managing Director
Centre for Eye Research Australia
