Modulation of Lamina Cribrosa Matrix Remodeling in POAG

This project intends to test the hypothesis of that the use of novel anti-fibrotic therapies will reduce the damage done in glaucoma to the retinal ganglion cells thereby alleviating the resultant loss of vision.

At present, glaucoma represents the most common form of irreversible blindness in the western world. The exact causes of the different types of glaucoma are not fully understood but in one common form, primary open angle glaucoma it is believed that mechanical strain induced by elevated intra-ocular pressure plays a part. This causes changes in the connective tissue of the lamina cribrosa, which is where the optic nerves exit the eye. Previous evidence has shown that soluble growth factors such as the TGF- family can affect the extracellular composition of this tissue. By modulating the expression of the TGF- family we hope to change the connective tissue composition of the lamina cribrosa and thereby reduce the damage to the retinal ganglion cells and reduce loss of visual function.