Light at the end of the tunnel? Advances in the understanding and treatment of glaucoma and inherited retinal degeneration

Glaucoma and inherited retinal degeneration/dystrophy are leading causes of blindness in veterinary patients. Currently, there is no treatment for the loss of vision that characterizes both groups of diseases. However, this reality may soon change as recent advances in understanding of the disease p...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The veterinary journal (1997) 2007-07, Vol.174 (1), p.10-22
Main Authors: Ofri, Ron, Narfström, Kristina
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
animal diseases
Animals
blindness
Blindness - prevention & control
Blindness - veterinary
Cat Diseases - pathology
Cat Diseases - therapy
Cats
dietary supplements
disease course
disease prevention
Dog Diseases - pathology
Dog Diseases - therapy
Dogs
drug therapy
etiology
eye diseases
ganglia
Gene therapy
genetic disorders
Glaucoma
Glaucoma - pathology
Glaucoma - therapy
Glaucoma - veterinary
Humans
literature reviews
molecular genetics
Neuroprotection
prostheses
retina
Retinal degeneration
Retinal Degeneration - pathology
Retinal Degeneration - therapy
Retinal Degeneration - veterinary
Retinal dystrophy
stem cells
surgical transplantation
therapeutics
tissue degeneration
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Summary:Glaucoma and inherited retinal degeneration/dystrophy are leading causes of blindness in veterinary patients. Currently, there is no treatment for the loss of vision that characterizes both groups of diseases. However, this reality may soon change as recent advances in understanding of the disease processes allow researchers to develop new therapies aimed at preventing blindness and restoring vision to blind patients. Elucidating the molecular mechanisms of retinal ganglion cell death in glaucoma patients has led to the development of neuroprotective drugs which protect retinal cells and their function from the disastrous effects of elevated pressure. Identification of the genetic mutation responsible for inherited degenerations and dystrophies of the outer retina has enabled researchers using gene therapy to restore vision to blind dogs. Other patients may benefit from retinal transplantation, stem cell therapy, neuroprotective drugs, nutritional supplementation and even retinal prostheses. It is possible that soon it will be possible to restore sight to some blind patients.
ISSN:1090-0233
1532-2971
DOI:10.1016/j.tvjl.2006.08.014