Glaucoma and Optic Neuropathies

The NEI supports a broad range of basic and clinical research to:

• Identify the genes that contribute to the pathophysiology of all the forms of glaucoma
• Establish a consensus definition of OAG (Open Angle Glaucoma) and standardize tools to assess its various phenotypes
• Develop an end-point measure for OAG
• Investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in aqueous humor dynamics including the inflow and outflow pathways and the tissues comprising them
• Explore neuroprotection as an approach for prolonging RGC function and survival
• Identify the specific antigenic targets of the aberrant immune response in uveitis and scleritis and determine the role of antigens derived from apoptotic cells in disease
• Identify genes, transcription factors, and signaling molecules involved in optic nerve degeneration/regeneration
• Develop experimental approaches comparing models that differ in their optic nerve regenerative capacity, such as fish versus mammal