Abstract
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.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 10-22 |
| Number of pages | 13 |
| Journal | Veterinary Journal |
| Volume | 174 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Jul 2007 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:Supported by the Joseph Alexander Foundation and the Alberto Moscona Foundation (RO) and by the University of Missouri Research Board (KN).
Keywords
- Gene therapy
- Glaucoma
- Neuroprotection
- Retinal degeneration
- Retinal dystrophy