Research into glaucoma

Glaucoma is the second most common cause of blindness in the world with over 480,000 people with the condition in the UK. At present sight lost from glaucoma is irreversible which is why we are currently funding 27 glaucoma research projects across the UK. These projects range from exploring the development of glaucoma to finding new treatments that could lower eye pressure and reduce the damage to the delicate eye tissues.

For example, we’re funding researchers at UCL to test potential drugs for reducing eye pressure. The researchers, led by Professor David Selwood, have created a ‘model’ of glaucoma that allows modified drugs to be tested to see which are the most effective in reducing eye pressure so that these drugs can be taken forward to clinical trials.

Maureen was diagnosed with glaucoma in 2008 following an appointment with her optician. She said:

Glaucoma

What is it?

Glaucoma is the name for a group of eye conditions that cause sight loss because of damage to the optic nerve – the nerve that connects the eyes to the brain.

Sight loss from glaucoma is irreversible. It’s the second most common cause of blindness in the world after cataract.

If glaucoma is detected early, treatment can do a lot to lower the risk of losing more vision, which is why regular eye tests are important.