SIG Corner Editor: Hana Abouzeid

Chair: Maria Francesca Cordeiro Co-chair: Miriam Kolko

SIG neuroprotection keeps an eye on new initiatives within glaucoma treatment. In recent years, there has been a renewed focus on neuroprotective treatments. At the latest tip of the month, we focused on nicotinamide, which is still in clinical trials in different parts of the world. The initial studies showed promising results and in SIG neuroprotection we are anxiously awaiting the follow-up results. In addition, we look forward to holding a symposium for the next EGS meeting in Athens, where we hope for support from many glaucoma-interested ophthalmologists.

Relevant breakthroughs in the field

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved the first intracameral slow-release implant to reduce IOP in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

Phase 3, Randomized, 20-Month Study of Bimatoprost Implant in Open-Angle Glaucoma and Ocular Hypertension (ARTEMIS 1) Medeiros FA, Walters TR, Kolko M, Coote M, Bejanian M, Goodkin ML, Guo Q, Zhang J, Robinson MR, Weinreb RN; ARTEMIS 1 Study Group.Ophthalmology. 2020 Dec;127(12):1627-1641. doi: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2020.06.018. Epub 2020 Jun 13.PMID: 32544560 Free article. Clinical Trial.

DARC (Detection of Apoptosing Retinal Cells), a retinal imaging technology, has been developed from basic laboratory science to Phase 2 clinical trials.

Detecting retinal cell stress and apoptosis with DARC: Progression from lab to clinic. Cordeiro MF, Hill D, Patel R, Corazza P, Maddison J, Younis S.Prog Retin Eye Res. 2021 Jun 5:100976. doi: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2021.100976. Online ahead of print.PMID: 34102318 Review.

Meditation in glaucoma patients was associated with significant decrease in IOP and changes in TM gene expression, indicating its direct impact on ocular tissues.

Effect of Mindfulness Meditation on Intraocular Pressure and Trabecular Meshwork Gene Expression: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Dada T, Bhai N, Midha N, Shakrawal J, Kumar M, Chaurasia P, Gupta S, Angmo D, Yadav R, Dada R, Sihota R.Am J Ophthalmol. 2021 Mar;223:308-321. doi: 10.1016/j.ajo.2020.10.012. Epub 2020 Oct 22.PMID: 33393484 Clinical Trial.

Increased physical activity was associated with slower rates of VF loss in glaucoma patients

Greater Physical Activity Is Associated with Slower Visual Field Loss in Glaucoma Lee MJ, Wang J, Friedman DS, Boland MV, De Moraes CG, Ramulu PY.Ophthalmology. 2019 Jul;126(7):958-964. doi: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2018.10.012. Epub 2018 Oct 10.PMID: 30315900

The search for EGS goal of “Paving the Way to Better Glaucoma Care” continues together with Outcome and other EGS Committees as well as SIGs, i.e. how to promote the best possible well-being and minimal glaucoma-induced visual disability in individuals with glaucoma within affordable healthcare systems.

The views expressed are those of the author(s) and are not necessarily those of the EGS.