Glaucoma Clinical Trials 2023

What Are Glaucoma Clinical Trials?

According to Mayo Clinic, Glaucoma is identified as a series of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve. Glaucoma is not age specific but is more commonly identified in older adults and is the main cause of blindness in those over 60.

Glaucoma clinical trials are being conducted worldwide to improve the diagnosis of glaucoma and managing and treating this condition. In addition, clinical trials for glaucoma aim to help find new treatments for glaucoma and can increase the quality of life of those suffering from glaucoma.

Why Is Glaucoma Being Studied Through Clinical Trials?

Glaucoma is being studied through clinical trials to identify those most at risk of developing glaucoma. Clinical trials also help those most likely to benefit from early treatment of this condition. Clinical trials focused on glaucoma also help identify new treatments for those already diagnosed.

The National Library Of Medicine indicates that there are 57.5 million people around the world affected by glaucoma, and this number is expected to increase to 111.8 million by 2040. A combination of factors contributes to being diagnosed with glaucoma, and it is the leading cause of blindness after cataracts.

What Are The Types Of Treatments Available For Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is treated by a number of treatments, including prescription eye drops, surgery, oral medicine, and laser therapy.

Glaucoma treatment often starts with prescription eye drops. If eye drops are not effective in glaucoma management, prescription oral medication may be recommended.

What Are Some Recent Breakthrough Clinical Trials For Glaucoma?

There have been a few studies that show promising results in treating glaucoma. Some of the most impressive clinical trials include:

2017: New medication to treat glaucoma – This clinical trial focuses on combining IOP-lowering medications with treatments that protect the retinal ganglion cells. David Krizaj, a vision scientist, has been researching how cells communicate with one another and is working to identify why the pressure-sensing mechanism in the eye causes damage in the case of glaucoma.

2021: Injection to treat glaucoma – Scientists may have discovered an injection developed through gene editing as a treatment for glaucoma. This clinical trial aims to treat glaucoma by injecting the protein Hepta-ANGPT1, which replaces the mutated genes which cause glaucoma.

2023: Nicotinamide for the treatment of Glaucoma – Nicotinamide is currently being tested to treat glaucoma. This form of vitamin B3 protects glaucoma patients from experiencing more vision loss. This clinical trial will also investigate biomarkers that can predict the progression of glaucoma in patients.

Who Are Some Of The Key Opinion Leaders / Researchers In Glaucoma Clinical Trials?

Professor Keith Martin is the managing director at CERA. His primary focus is on glaucoma, and his research is based on finding new ways to protect and regenerate the optic nerve. The CERA researchers are also studying the potential benefits vitamin B3 has in helping patients with glaucoma.

George A Cioffi, MD, specializes in cataract surgery, glaucoma, and ophthalmology and is a recognized glaucoma scientist. He is an author of more than 200 articles and has received numerous awards in his field of research.