SUNY Optometry receives NIH grant to study the link between myopia and glaucoma

The grant explores the unknown nature of the relationship between myopia (nearsightedness) and glaucoma by focusing on their effect on the ganglion cell complex at the genetic, cellular, structural and functional levels. The proposed research is relevant to public health because it aims to identify early markers of glaucoma in myopic eyes to help develop new diagnostic and treatment strategies, and prevent glaucoma-associated visual impairment in myopic eyes. The outcomes of this work have the potential to reduce vision loss and improve the quality of life of the rising numbers of myopic patients with associated glaucomatous degeneration.