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Back a breakthrough in glaucoma

Glaucoma is the world’s second leading cause of blindness. It affects 60 million people worldwide – nearly half a million in the UK alone.

It is estimated that, by 2040, the number of people living with glaucoma worldwide will have doubled to 120 million. Almost 10% of people aged 75 and over in the UK are diagnosed with the condition, and more than one million glaucoma-related outpatient visits are made to UK hospitals each year.

At present sight lost from glaucoma is irreversible which is why Fight for Sight is dedicated to funding the most promising studies aimed at preventing and treating this devastating condition.

We are currently funding 15 projects across numerous strands of glaucoma research. Thanks to our kind supporters, research teams across the country stand on the brink of breakthroughs that could transform people’s lives and help them keep their sight.

Here are just some of our research projects on glaucoma.

Building a world-leading resource to predict glaucoma development and improve patient care

Jointly funded by Fight for Sight and Glaucoma UK, the Moorfields Glaucoma BioResource will address the pressing need to improve the management of glaucoma by linking genetic and clinical data to help predict the progression of the condition.

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Lifestyle habits and glaucoma

Paul Foster at the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology is leading a Fight for Sight funded study investigating the effect of lifestyle factors – such as alcohol, smoking, exercise and diet – on the development of glaucoma.

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Researchers successfully demonstrate gene therapy for glaucoma in the lab
A Fight for Sight funded researcher from the University of Bristol, Dr Colin Chu, has used gene editing techniques to successfully demonstrate a gene therapy for glaucoma in the lab.
A new way to repair cell damage caused by glaucoma
Research at the University of Cambridge aims to strengthen the connection between the eye and the brain, protecting and re-growing the vital cells that are damaged by glaucoma and other conditions.
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Organ on a chip - a lab the size of a matchbox to develop new glaucoma treatment
We’re funding scientist at Imperial College to develop an ‘organ-on-chip’ that for the first time will be used to help investigate glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness. Find out more
Can researchers develop a personalised treatment for glaucoma?
Researchers from Ulster University are developing a personalised medicine for patients at risk of glaucoma from using steroids.
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Predicting the risk of who will develop glaucoma
The results from a Fight for Sight funded study could pave the way for a genetic based screening program for glaucoma.
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Pioneering study identifies effective laser treatment for glaucoma
A UCL study that was part funded by Fight for Sight has successfully analysed the effectiveness of a laser-based treatment for glaucoma compared with eye drops. The results could potentially improve the way glaucoma is treated across the world.