New research to reverse the damage caused by glaucoma

A Cambridge University Hospitals surgeon is spearheading new research which explores the possibility of using stem cells to reverse the damage caused by glaucoma.

 

The work, led by eye surgeon Professor Keith Martin, is looking at therapies which prevent the death of nerve cells in the retina. It is hoped the study will lead to new treatments which will protect the optic nerve from damage caused by glaucoma and potentially restore sight.

 

During the research, scientists have been isolating cells from the bone marrow or blood before using them to protect the nerve cells in the retina. They are also investigating whether stem cells from the eye itself can be manipulated to heal any damage and prevent sight loss.

Prof Martin, who is also a neuroscientist at Cambridge University, described the result of early tests on animals as “very encouraging”. He now hopes to develop the treatments further so that human clinical trials can take place in future years.

 

“Glaucoma remains a leading cause of blindness worldwide and there is currently no way to restore vision once it has been lost,” said Prof Martin. “This charity funding is helping us explore the possibility that stem cell treatments could one day be used to treat glaucoma.

“Initially, we are looking at how stem cells can protect the eye against glaucoma damage when other treatment has failed. We have recently had some very encouraging results in animals with glaucoma which shows that stem cells can protect against glaucoma damage.

“In the future, our dream is to be able to use stem cell treatments to improve vision in patients with severe glaucoma. However it will be a few more years until these treatments are ready for human clinical trials”
The research has been part-funded by a £320,000 grant from Fight for Sight. The charity is also funding further research, led by Prof Martin and Dr Barbara Lorber, which looks at ways of regenerating the optic nerve by transplanting specialised retinal cells into the back of the eye.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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