Gene therapy developed by scientists at Trinity College Dublin shows promise in treating glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration.
Glaucoma, which affects around 80 million individuals globally, is "a complex group of optic neuropathies" that can lead to complete vision loss.
The research, published in the International Journal of Molecular Genetics, shows that the gene therapy protected and improved the function of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), which are important in vision, in animal models. In human cells derived from people with glaucoma, the therapy "increased oxygen consumption and ATP (energy) production, indicating enhanced cell performance."
The gene therapy "uses an approved virus to deliver an enhanced gene (eNdi1) developed by the Trinity team." The purpose of the therapy is to increase activity in the mitochondria, which are the "cellular energy generators" that produce ATP, and reduce damage from reactive oxygen species.
Current treatments for glaucoma include topical eye drops, surgery, or laser therapy. However, not all patients respond well, and some experience serious side effects, according to the first author of the research article.
The scientists previously found that their gene therapy showed promise in treating dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
The Trinity team "founded Vzarii Therapeutics to expedite future development of dry AMD and glaucoma gene therapies for human clinical trials." "Gene therapy offers promise for treating glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration" medicalxpress.com (Sep. 09, 2024).
Commentary
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), half of individuals with glaucoma do not know they have the disease. Approximately three million Americans have glaucoma, which is the second-leading cause of blindness globally.
There is currently no cure for glaucoma, but early detection combined with treatment can preserve vision.
Those with an increased risk of developing glaucoma include Black people over the age of 40; all people over the age of 60; those with a family history of glaucoma; and those with diabetes. "About Glaucoma" www.cdc.gov.
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, not all types of glaucoma have warning signs or obvious symptoms. Regular eye exams are important to identify glaucoma before it leads to loss of vision. However, some types of glaucoma do have the following symptoms. Kierstan Boyd "What Is Glaucoma? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment" www.aao.org (Dec. 04, 2023).
Here are possible signs of glaucoma to discuss with your healthcare provider:
- Blind spots
- Blurred vision
- Severe pain in the eye or forehead
- Redness of the eye
- Decreased vision or blurred vision
- Seeing rainbows or halos
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting