Evaluation of ONH Microstructure as a function of IOP reduction
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Evaluation of Optic Nerve Head Microstructure as a function of intraocular pressure reduction in Primary Open Angle Glaucoma
IRAS ID
245967
Contact name
James Morgan
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Cardiff University
Duration of Study in the UK
5 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. Glaucoma is an umbrella term encompassing a group of optic neuropathies associated with characteristic damage to the optic nerve and patterns of visual filed loss, due to retinal ganglion cell degeneration.
Worldwide, glaucoma affects more than 70 million people, with approximately 10% being bilaterally blind. The disease can remain asymptomatic until a relatively late stage; hence diagnosis is frequently delayed.
Intraocular pressure is regarded as the major risk factor for glaucoma. Although the pathogenesis of glaucoma is not fully understood, the level of intraocular pressure is related to retinal ganglion cell death.
Raised intraocular pressure can cause mechanical stress and strain on the posterior structures of the eye, including the lamina cribrosa within the optic nerve head, which is the weakest point in the wall of the pressurised eye. This structure is where retinal ganglion cell axons exit the eye.
The only proven method to treat glaucoma is the reduction of intraocular pressure. Lowering intraocular pressure benefits in preventing development and slowing disease progression. However, deterioration of retinal function and the visual field can occur, despite reduction of intraocular pressure.
This study will employ a standard optometric imaging technique called optical coherence tomography; for imaging glaucoma participants' optic nerve head and retina before and after intraocular pressure reduction, via eye drops or surgery. This study aims to investigate the role of lamina cribrosa microstructure and retinal ganglion cell dysfunction and/or death and their relationship to the efficacy of IOP lowering treatment. This will allow us to better manage this chronic disease in determining the effectiveness of current treatments and how these can be improved for individual patient treatment.
REC name
Wales REC 3
REC reference
19/WA/0040
Date of REC Opinion
18 Apr 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion