Glaucoma Research
There are many avenues of glaucoma research. New medications and new surgical techniques are constantly being developed.
Very exciting and important research is aimed at discovering the means of directly protecting the optic nerve or regenerating lost nerve function.
Probably the most exciting research is in the field of molecular genetics. Through an understanding of the molecular basis of glaucoma we should be able to better understand why the nerve undergoes damage. From this knowledge will also come better tools for the diagnosis of glaucoma and better treatments that are safer and more effective. The University of Iowa leads the world in the study of the molecular genetics of glaucoma. In 1997, researchers at the University of Iowa found that mutations in the gene myocilin could cause primary open angle glaucoma. This was the first gene reported to cause the most common type of glaucoma.
© 2003-2005
The University of Iowa Center for Macular Degeneration
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