Background glaucoma Shape Background glaucoma Shape Background glaucoma Shape

National Glaucoma Research

For the last 45 years, National Glaucoma Research, a BrightFocus Foundation program, has accelerated groundbreaking research into the root causes of this sight-stealing disease and a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. We support exceptional scientists worldwide studying cutting-edge prevention strategies, treatments, and a cure to defeat glaucoma.

Grandfather and his grandson

Our Impact: Making a Difference

National Glaucoma Research is currently supporting a global portfolio of 38 active research grants, a nearly $8 million investment. Our grants are vetted through a rigorous evaluation process by the world’s top scientists and clinicians who serve on our scientific review committee.

With our grants, scientists are developing and testing hundreds of hypotheses about how the disease destroys the optic nerve and results in vision loss and blindness.

38

Active scientific research projects supported worldwide

201

Glaucoma scientists currently supported through our grants

Nearly $51 million

Invested in glaucoma research since inception

Document with magnifying glass icon.

Recent News

News & Breakthroughs

Discover bold ideas and the latest glaucoma research advancements.
Illustration of different human cells.

Could Listening in to Cellular Communication Help Treat Glaucoma?

By unlocking the secrets of how cells communicate, this first-of-its-kind BrightFocus National Glaucoma Research-funded study could help prevent vision loss and restore sight for those living with the disease.

A vibrant 3D rendering of an iris, with multicolored light strands radiating from the dark pupil. The colors range from blue and green to orange and yellow, creating a dynamic, futuristic look.

Helping the Eye Repair Itself: New Study Offers Clues to Restoring Vision Lost to Glaucoma

A new BrightFocus-funded study uncovers genetic clues that could point to new strategies for regrowing neurons in people living with glaucoma.

Dr. Xiaorong Liu, National Glaucoma Research grant recipient

Exploring How Glaucoma Affects Mood and Sleep Problems

A BrightFocus-funded study examines how glaucoma affects a specific retinal cell involved in mood and sleep. This research could enhance treatment development and care for the individual as vision loss advances in glaucoma.

A lab researcher points at a colorful image on a computer screen, while a scientist stands next to her observing the data.
Dr. Bingrui Wang (front) and Dr. Ian Sigal (behind) in the laboratory.

Investigating Eye Pressure to Prevent Glaucoma-Related Vision Loss

National Glaucoma Research grant recipient Bingrui Wang, PhD, and her mentor Ian Sigal, PhD, are investigating axon deformation and its link to damage to understand glaucoma’s causes. Read a Q&A with Dr. Wang.

Experimental Drug Could Improve Vision in Glaucoma

Explore new experimental drugs being tested for glaucoma treatment. Read about research that aims to preserve vision.

New Study Reveals Health Disparities in Glaucoma Care

Learn about racial disparities in glaucoma care, highlighting the urgent need for equitable healthcare practices.

Designed logo for Glaucoma Chats with the name of the program and an icon of an eye wearing headphones to represent this audio series.

BrightFocus Foundation Announces 2024 Glaucoma Chats Audio Programming

The 2024 schedule of Glaucoma Chats, free, accessible, and interactive audio podcast conversations with leading experts.

FDA Approves First-of-its-Kind Glaucoma Treatment

Read about FDA-approved iDose® TR for glaucoma treatment, an eye implant offering up to three years of continuous medication, potentially eliminating daily eye drop routines.

Breakthrough Discovery Reveals New Pathway to Lowering Eye Pressure

Discover research that uncovers a new pathway for lowering eye pressure in glaucoma. Learn about the Schlemm’s canal’s pivotal role in eye health.

Why It Matters

Why Glaucoma Research Matters

A grandmother and granddaughter smile together in the park.

Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide, according to the World Health Organization, affecting 80 million people.

Given the aging of the world’s population, this number may increase to more than 111 million by 2040. In the United States, glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness among African Americans and Hispanics.

Female scientists in the lab.
National Glaucoma Research-funded scientist Mengya Zhao, MD, PhD.

National Glaucoma Research is on a mission to cure this sight-stealing disease.

We believe that by providing initial funding for highly innovative experimental research and creative ideas, we can spark revolutionary approaches and vision-saving breakthroughs.

Our Approach to Research

National Glaucoma Research takes a 360-degree approach to funding innovative scientific research worldwide to defeat glaucoma. We explore the full range of scientific paths–from controlling eye pressure in new ways to protecting and regenerating the optic nerve–to uncover new techniques for preventing, treating, and curing glaucoma.

Learn More

Glaucoma Chats

Join an upcoming audio conversation with scientists and vision experts about treatments, research breakthroughs, and tips for living with low vision.

Sign Up

Understanding Glaucoma

What are the various forms of glaucoma, how is the disease diagnosed, and how can you lower your risk? Download our free brochure to learn more.

Read More

10 Tips for Using Glaucoma Eye Drops

Wondering if you are applying your glaucoma eye drops correctly or how long to wait between drops? A board-certified ophthalmologist shares her top tips.

Read More
Man on phone in front of laptop
Family of three cook together.
Close up photo of a woman adding eye drops to her own eye.
Document with magnifying glass icon.

Resources

We’re here for you.

Explore articles, videos, brochures, and more to help you understand and manage symptoms, treatments, and the latest research.
Lawrence S. Geyman, MD, FAAO
Glaucoma Chats

Gathering Support For Your Glaucoma Diagnosis

Join Dr. Lawrence S. Geyman as he outlines effective ways to find support for your glaucoma diagnosis.

Dilru Amarasekera, MD.
Glaucoma Chats

Glaucoma and Macular Degeneration: Can You Be Diagnosed With Both?

Learn about the similarities and differences between these two vision diseases, whether someone can develop both conditions at the same time, and how to reduce your risk.

Jaehong Han, MD
Glaucoma Chats

Glaucoma Explained: Types, Risk Factors, and Treatments

Join us for an insightful conversation with Dr. Jaehong Han about the different types of glaucoma, including open-angle, angle-closure, normal-tension, and more, discussing who is most affected by each and how treatments can vary.

Eye technology scanning data security technology that identifies and assesses personal data. The inner eye is a technology circuit with an eye scan frame.
Expert Information

Can AI Prevent Vision Loss From Glaucoma?

What you need to know about how artificial intelligence could improve glaucoma detection, treatment, and care.

Qi N. Cui, MD, PhD
Glaucoma Chats

Glaucoma 101: Exploring the Science Behind This Sight-Stealing Disease

Listen to Dr. Qi N. Cui as she explains the science behind glaucoma, a leading cause of vision loss.

Rebecca Sarran, MD
Glaucoma Chats

Can Glaucoma Be Prevented? The Science Behind Risk Reduction

Join us for a conversation with Dr. Rebecca Sarran, a leading glaucoma specialist, as she discusses the latest research on reducing the risk of glaucoma.

Glaucoma Chats Logo
Podcast

Glaucoma Treatments in 2024

A glaucoma specialist discussed the diverse landscape of glaucoma treatments, including newly approved medications.

Expert Information

How to Ask Family About Glaucoma History: A Conversation Guide

Uncover how to discuss glaucoma’s hereditary aspects with relatives using our conversation guide.

Glaucoma Chats Logo
Glaucoma Chats

Latest Updates on Glaucoma Eye Drops

Dr. Natasha Nayak Kolomeyer, glaucoma specialist and ophthalmologist at Wills Eye Hospital, discusses various types of eye drops used in glaucoma treatment, how they work, potential side effects, and tips for managing challenges associated with their use.

Document with magnifying glass icon.

Grants & Scientists

A vision researcher works in the lab.
National Glaucoma Research-funded scientist Hannah Youngblood, PhD.

Apply for a Research Grant

National Glaucoma Research provides research funds for U.S. domestic and international researchers studying glaucoma.