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Discovery of pathogenic pathways may help normalize IOP
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 Abbot F. Clark |
ORLANDO, Fla. — Numerous factors contribute to the failure of the trabecular meshwork, which has been associated with heightened resistance to the outflow of aqueous humor and increased IOP, a presenter said here, but recent advances may lead to new therapies and solutions.
"There's a lot of excitement now [and] a better understanding of pathogenic signaling pathways," Abbot F. Clark, PhD, said at Glaucoma Subspecialty Day preceding the American Academy of Ophthalmology meeting.
Increasing knowledge of myocilin, the first gene directly linked to glaucoma; glucocorticoid receptor beta, which has been found in high levels in normal trabecular meshwork cells, but at far lower levels in glaucomatous eyes; and other advances suggest the possibility of therapies to restore the function of trabecular meshwork cells and help normalize IOP, Dr. Clark said.
Studies continue to expand knowledge of biological factors that appear in those with trabecular meshwork and glaucoma issues, but do not appear in those with normal eyes, Dr. Clark said.
- Disclosure: Dr. Clark is given grant support by Alcon Laboratories and the National Eye Institute.