As World Glaucoma Week was celebrated earlier this month (March 8–14) it was announced that scientists may soon be able to repair nerve cells in the eye damaged by glaucoma, improving the vision of patients.
Speaking at the annual meeting of the American Glaucoma Society (AGS), in Colorado, earlier this month, Dr Jeffrey Goldberg, University of California, San Diego, revealed early results from breakthrough trials using proteins which promote the growth of nerve cells.
“There may be a window of opportunity to heal these cells before they die,” Dr Goldberg told delegates. The researcher explained how stem cells are being explored as a means of regenerating damaged retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) – either by transplanting them directly into the eye to generate new RGCs, or by using them to produce the proteins, called neurotrophic factors.
2 % of the UK population suffer from Glaucoma – symptoms are typically unnoticeable and sight loss is irreversible. Your regular eye check-up helps to detect symptoms. For information contact us.