Translational Glaucoma Research

DEF supported research into the medical and surgical treatments for glaucoma is a very important strength in the Department of Ophthalmology at University of California, Irvine.

Dr. George Baerveldt has developed an FDA approved new surgical instrument and technique for treatment of glaucoma. DEF supported scientists are helping to understand why surgical treatment for glaucoma sometimes fails and are in the process of designing treatments to improve surgical results.

DEF supported research into the medical and surgical treatments for glaucoma is a very important strength in the Department of Ophthalmology at University of California, Irvine.

• Dr. George Baerveldt has developed an FDA approved new surgical instrument and technique for treatment of glaucoma.
• DEF-supported scientists are helping to understand why surgical treatment for glaucoma sometimes fails and are in the process of designing treatments to improve surgical results.
• Donald Brown Ph.D. together with Drs. Donald Minckler and James Jester are examining the mechanisms of optic nerve damage in glaucoma. Using state-of-the-art molecular and imaging technology they are examining the effects of increased pressure inside the eye upon optic nerve integrity.
• The biomedical applications of new laser technology for the treatment of glaucoma are being investigated.
• Drs. Henry Klassen and Michael Young are using non-embryonic stem cells and injection microspheres impregnated with growth factors in models of optic nerve damage. Animal studies show future promise of being able to protect or regenerate retinal ganglion cells and the optic nerve. A human safety trial of the microspheres is underway. This may produce important future treatments for glaucoma and other optic nerve diseases such as multiple sclerosis.

Posted November 2008