DONATE NOWBascom Palmer Eye Institute
University of Miami
Research on Neuroprotection in Glaucoma
Neuroprotection in glaucoma research focuses on protecting retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), the nerve cells damaged by glaucoma, and preserving their function for as long as possible. While most current glaucoma treatments focus on lowering intraocular pressure (IOP), researchers are studying whether neuroprotective treatments could directly prevent or slow damage to these sight-critical nerve cells.
University of Miami
Researchers conducted the study using mice that often develop age-related IOP elevation and glaucoma. (Scientists often use mice in glaucoma research because their eyes structure and function closely resemble human eyes.)
At four months of age, before glaucoma appeared, researchers injected lidocaine into one eye of each mouse. As the mice aged, they compared the effectiveness of this preconditioning to a control group. When glaucoma developed, they assessed how well lidocaine preconditioning protected the treated eyes. The treatment improved RGC survival by 35%. Interestingly, lidocaine did not change the age-related rise in IOP.
The team published these results in J Mol Sci in 2018. The study provides proof that preconditioning the eye with a minimally invasive treatment can achieve neuroprotection in glaucoma.
Dr. Vittorio Porciatti Dsc, FARVO
Anesthetic Preconditioning as Endogenous Neuroprotection in Glaucoma
James L. Knight Professor
Vice Chair, Director of Research
Bascom Palmer Eye institute
University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
Phone: 305-326-6050
Email: vporciatti@med.miami.edu