Structural and Functional Changes in the Retina and Optic Nerve in Experimental Glaucoma

Optic nerve diseases such as glaucoma lead to visual disability and blindness, and are a significant health concern. Specific neural damage occurs as a loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), specialised neurons that carry visual messages from the eye to the brain. Clinical methods to diagnose and monitor glaucoma attempt to estimate how many RGCs are damaged, however, up to date they cannot provide an accurate estimate. Experimental animal models allow us to understand the mechanisms of disease and how to better monitor and treat patients. However, also in experimental models scientists are unable to directly measure cellular changes and how they affect visual function. In this project we will use novel imaging methods in living animals that have experimental glaucoma. These imaging methods allow us to calculate the density of RGCs in the same animal as the experimental glaucoma progresses. They will also allow us to examine individual RGCs and how their shape and processes change. Finally, we will measure the function of these cells with a technique called electroretinography. Because we will be able to perform these tasks repeatedly in the animal over time, it will allow us to plot the time course of how experimental glaucoma affects RGCs. This research has direct value towards guiding clinicians in how to monitor glaucoma in patients.