Researchers at Stanford University are experimenting with a new treatment for Glaucoma which could completely change our thinking about therapy for the condition.

Currently, treatments focus on the symptoms of the disease. This involves relieving the eye pressure that sufferers experience. This can involve eye drops, oral drugs and laser therapy or surgery. The new pathway concentrates on stopping the degeneration in the first place by the use of powerful molecules known as lipoxins.

Researchers have had success testing lipoxins on rodents, and hope to trial the treatment on humans in the near future. The exciting discovery also offers the potential to prevent other neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinsons.

Sources:

1. Stanford Medicine:
   Researchers investigate new treatment for glaucoma.

2. News Medical:
   Researchers identify new neuroprotective factor that holds potential to help people with glaucoma.