Researchers Identify Biomarker for Glaucoma Damage
Today, RPB-supported researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis published a study identifying a biomarker that could help to predict glaucoma damage before vision loss.
An optic nerve with glaucoma damage, signified by loss of color and a round rim of pink tissue within the nerve.
Photo credit: CARLA J. SIEGFRIED / Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis
"There hasn't been a reliable way to predict which patients with glaucoma have a high risk of rapid vision loss," said principal investigator Rajendra S. Apte, MD, PhD, the Paul A. Cibis Distinguished Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences.
"But we've identified a biomarker that seems to correlate with disease severity in patients, and what that marker is measuring is stress to the cells rather than cell death. Other glaucoma tests are measuring cell death, which is not reversible, but if we can identify when cells are under stress, then there's the potential to save those cells to preserve vision," said Dr. Apte.
May 4, 2017
Related News: Feature Story, Glaucoma, Top Story
Electric Fields ‘Steer’ Neural Stem Cells
New RPB-supported research provides hope for transplants of neural stem cells as future treatment for brain injuries.
July is Dry Eye Awareness Month
Dry eye, a global problem affecting more than 30 million people in the U.S. alone, occurs when the eye does not produce tears properly or when the tears are not of the correct consistency and evaporate too quickly.
Working Together to Fund Scientific Research for Eye Health
More than 30 private and public funders of vision research came together in Washington DC to discuss ways to maximize their support of scientific research in light of new recommendations and a changing environment.
Making the case that ‘Science Is For All’
An RPB Trustee pens a powerful Op-Ed on the need to support scientific research through the National Institutes of Health.
RPB AWARDS $5.4 MILLION IN GRANTS
The latest grant cycle supports eye research related to a variety of diseases and conditions.
Natural Compound Reduces Signs of Aging, Including Eye Dryness
RPB-supported vision researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have contributed key data to a new study that identifies a natural compound that slows typical signs of aging in mice.
Subscribe
Get our email updates filled with the latest news from our researchers about preventing vision loss, treating eye disease and even restoring sight. Unsubscribe at any time. Under our privacy policy, we'll never share your contact information with a third party.
| General Info | Research Scientists & Grantees | Eye Care Specialists | Donors & Partners |
Research to Prevent Blindness
360 Lexington Avenue, 22nd Floor
New York, NY 10017
(212) 752-4333
Copyright © 2017 Research to Prevent Blindness. All Rights Reserved.
