Attacking Glaucoma: The New Eye Implant -- Research Summary

BACKGROUND: Glaucoma is a complicated disease where damage to the optic nerve leads to progressive, irreversible vision loss. It is the second most common cause of blindness in the United States. Everyone is at risk for glaucoma, there may be no symptoms to warn you, and there is no cure for the disease. It is estimated that over 2.2 million Americans have glaucoma but only half of those know they have it. (Source: Glaucoma Research Foundation)

TYPES: There are four major types of glaucoma:

Open-angle (chronic) glaucoma –An increase in eye pressure occurs slowly over time. The pressure pushes on the optic nerve. Unknown cause, tends to run in families

Angle-closure (acute) glaucoma- occurs when the exit of the aqueous humor fluid is suddenly blocked. This causes a quick, severe, and painful rise in the pressure in the eye. This is an emergency, and if you have had acute glaucoma in one eye, you are at risk for an attack in the second eye.

Congenital glaucoma- seen in babies and present at birth due to abnormal eye development.

Secondary glaucoma- caused by drugs like corticosteroids, eye diseases, systemic diseases, or trauma. (Source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

TREATMENT: A dilated eye exam is the best and most effective way to detect glaucoma. Treatment can’t cure glaucoma, but it can prevent and avoid further vision loss. Different treatments for glaucoma include medicated eye drops, oral medications (usually a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor), Drugs that protect the optic nerve, and surgery to lower eye pressure. Advocates of medicinal marijuana cite evidence that hemp products can lower intraocular pressure (IOP) in people with glaucoma. However, these products are less effective than medicines prescribed by an eye doctor. Additionally, side effects of long term use of marijuana can override any potential benefits. (Source: Mayo Clinic, Glaucoma Research Foundation)

NEW TECHNOLOGY: Neurotech's product, NT-501, contains encapsulated human cells genetically modified to secrete ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF). CNTF is a growth factor that is able to rescuing dying photoreceptors and protect them from degeneration. NT-501 is designed to continually deliver a low, safe and therapeutic dose of CNTF into the back of the eye, and is designed for the potential treatment of retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). (Source: Neurotech) MORE

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