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National Glaucoma Research - Current Award

Dr. Paul Kaufman

Paul Kaufman, M.D.

Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System
Madison, WI

Title: Vitamin D Effects On Anterior Segment Physiology In Monkeys
Non-Technical Title: Vitamin D, A Potential Glaucoma Therapy?

Duration: April 1, 2009 - March 31, 2011
Award Type: Standard
Award Amount: $100,000


Summary:

Is vitamin D a potential glaucoma therapy? Can it lower intraocular pressure after topical application? What are the target tissues in the eye and what is the mechanism for the intraocular pressure lowering effect?

Details:


The number of health benefits attributed to vitamin D continues to increase. We would like to know if it has the potential to lower the internal pressure of the eye (or “intraocular pressure”) and be further developed as a glaucoma therapy. Since it is a molecule produced naturally in the human body, the number of side effects are likely to be minimal.

Progress Updates:

Monkeys with normal intraocular pressure (IOP) were treated topically twice daily with a form of vitamin D to one eye, and with a control on the opposite eye. IOP was measured on several different days, along with pupil diameter, blood calcium levels, blood pressure, and heart rate. Fluid (aqueous humor) formation in the eye was measured by fluorophotometry in a subset of animals. Fluid outflow facility was measured after injection of vitamin D or after a topical treatment administered twice daily and followed by a supplementary injection.

Experiments are ongoing and there are indications of a measurable effect. However, the mechanism of action remains to be elucidated. More detailed results will be given in our final progress report.