Research
Making progress
Glaucoma affects 2 per cent of people over 40 years of age. Although advancing age and eye pressure are risk factors, there are many not yet fully understood risk factors that place individuals at risk. Glaucoma causes loss of vision and, if left untreated, can lead to blindness.
By using several in vitro and in vivo experimental models of glaucoma, researchers in the Experimental Glaucoma and Imaging Laboratory are able to mimic retinal ganglion cell loss and alterations in the optic nerve head, which are hallmarks of the disease. We’re then able to use these models to:
- gain insight into disease pathophysiology
- devise new tests to diagnose and monitor the disease with imaging and functional testing
- develop novel therapeutic approaches to prevent further deterioration