Research

Glaucoma is a group of multifactorial diseases commonly associated with an increase in intraocular pressure, afflicting nearly 3 million Americans and 70 million people worldwide. Current therapies are aimed at lowering intraocular pressure, however, damage to the optic nerve continues to occur despite these treatments. There is a pressing need for adjunct therapies aimed at protecting the optic nerve from further damage.

My laboratory research focuses on the development of strategies for neuroprotection in glaucoma. Specifically, we are testing various small molecules and adeno-associated viral gene therapies for their ability to attenuate neurodegeneration in animal models of glaucoma. We also aim to unravel cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology of glaucoma.

Concepts/techniques: We carry out these studies using in vitro rat primary retinal ganglion cell cultures, ex vivo adult rat retinal explants and postmortem human explants, and various in vivo rodent models of glaucoma. We use visual function tests, including pattern ERG, and optomotor tests to determine the efficacy of clinically relevant experimental pharmacotherapies.

Our ongoing studies have the potential to develop novel therapeutic agents for neuroprotection in glaucoma.