THE GLAUCOMA

FOUNDATION

NEWSLETTER

S U M M E R 2 0 0 8

The reports are in! World GlaucomaDay (WGD) on March 6th was aresounding success – raisingawareness and educating the publicas well as professionals in the fieldthrough more than 1,000 events,programs and other activities in 59countries on nearly every continent.

The global reach included 200 publicscreenings, 460 articles in the media,printed information distributed at 207locations worldwide, over 150educational events, including

conferences for patients and profes-sionals at hospitals, universities andpublic sites, and some very creativespecial activities.

On March 1st, a national holiday calledWadali Day, the Antigua & BarbudaGlaucoma Support Group spearheadeda “March for Sight” to officially launchthe island’s month-long observancethat included media and publicscreenings and concluded with theissuance of a commemorative WGDstamp. The March was led by membersof the local Lion’s Club; the PrimeMinister of Antigua not only joined in,but held the lead banner. Manyorganizations and individuals partic-

ipated, including 100 Boy Scouts.

To raise awareness, the IsraelGlaucoma Group produced a specialrubber stamp that was sent tothousands of stamp collectors in Israeland beyond. Most importantly, onWGD, the stamp was used onthousands of letters and packages sentfrom the main post office in Tel Aviv.

From March 6th to 12th, a special bus,equipped to conduct glaucomascreenings, traveled to 11 French citiesthroughout the country – Paris,

Strasbourg, Toulouse, Lyon, Grenoble,Nice, Clermont-Ferrand, Bordeaux,Nantes, Brest and Lille. This 4thannual “Tour de France,” sponsored byThe French Glaucoma Society andothers, is part of a national glaucomainformation and free screeningcampaign called “Preserve Your Sight.”

There were also posters on view atover 800 opticial stores throughout theUnited Kingdom as well as a WGDscreening at the House of Commons,badges declaring “Stop Glaucoma” inCroatia, a charity regatta to benefitglaucoma in New Zealand – and thelist goes on…and on!

Antigua ■ Argentina ■ Australia ■ Austria ■ Azerbaijan ■ Bahrain ■ Brazil ■ Bulgaria ■ Canada ■

China ■ Croatia ■ Czech Republic ■ Denmark ■ Egypt ■ England ■ Ethiopia ■ France■ Greece ■ Hungary ■ India ■ Indonesia ■ Iran ■ Israel ■ Italy ■ Japan ■ Kazakhstan ■ Kyrgyzstan ■

Lebanon ■ Lithuania ■ Macedonia ■ Malaysia ■ Mexico ■ Moldavia ■ Nepal ■ Netherlands■ New Zealand ■ Nigeria ■ Norway ■ Pakistan ■ Philippines ■ Poland ■ Portugal ■ Puerto Rico■ Qatar ■ Russia ■ Slovakia ■ South Africa ■ Spain ■ St. Lucia ■ Sweden ■ Switzerland ■ Taiwan ■

Thailand ■ Turkey ■ Ukraine ■ United Arab Emirates ■ United States ■ Uzbekistan

A Truly Global Observance

Mr. Baldwin Spencer, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, led the island’s WGD “March for Sight.”

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Dear Friends:

“Connectivity” seems a very appropriate word when talking about the worldglaucoma community in 2008. Increasingly, there is a shared realization thatraising awareness about glaucoma, and finding new treatments andultimately a cure, require a global effort with strong links among manypartners. I’m delighted that The Glaucoma Foundation has been involved onmany fronts.

As you will read in a brief wrap-up, the first World Glaucoma Day in Marchwas observed throughout the world, with more than 1,000 events andprograms in countries as distant as Argentina and Uzbekistan. One monthlater, TGF provided support for a researcher from Ghana – with a specialinterest in glaucoma in his home locale - to attend the annual U.S. meetingof The Association for Research in Vision in Ophthalmology (ARVO). And inJune, I had the opportunity to speak about glaucoma patient care in HongKong, first at a symposium held at the University of Hong Kong and a fewdays later at the 2008 World Ophthalmology Congress.

At home in New York, we are busy planning our 15th International ThinkTank on Optic Nerve Rescue and Restoration, our annual interdisciplinarygathering of scientists scheduled for September. This year’s attendees willcontinue the Think Tank’s recent focus on applications of micro andnanotechnology to major unsolved problems in glaucoma. The specific themethis year is the “Current Status of Translational Nanomedicine and TissueBioengineering in the Eye,” which refers to the attempt to more directlyconnect basic research to therapies for patient care.

Providing a real service to glaucoma patients of all ages is the primary goalof this newsletter. Your replies to our recent reader survey highlight the factthat large numbers of our “Eye to Eye” readers are glaucoma patients. In thisissue you will find helpful information about some of the glaucomamedications currently in wide use.

The Glaucoma Foundation has a broad and loyal base and we want you toknow that we value the participation of each and every one of you. Wehope we can count on your continued support of our efforts to defeat thisvision-threatening disease.

Sincerely,

Scott R. ChristensenPresidentChief Executive Officer

THE GLAUCOMA FOUNDATIONBOARD OF DIRECTORS

Gregory K. Harmon, MDChairman of the Board

Joseph M. LaMottaChairman Emeritus

Robert Ritch, MDMedical Director, Vice President & SecretaryProfessor & Chief, Glaucoma ServiceThe New York Eye and Ear Infirmary

William C. Baker

Stephen D. Barkin

Joseph M. CohenChairmanJ.M. Cohen & Company

Peter J. Crowley

David G. CushmanSenior Vice President/Regional ManagerOrvis/Cushman & Wakefield of California, Inc.

David FellowsPresident, Vision Care New VenturesVistakon

Murray Fingeret, ODChief, Optometry SectionSt. Albans VA Medical Center

Ilene Giaquinta

Debora K. Grobman, Esq.

Barbara W. Hearst

Chuck F.V. ImhofManaging Director, Greater NY AreaAmerican Airlines, Inc.

Gerald Kaiser, Esq.

Paul L. Kaufman, MDProfessor of Ophthalmology & Visual SciencesDirector, Glaucoma ServiceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison

Theodore Krupin, MDProfessor of OphthalmologyNorthwestern University Medical School

Susan LaVentureExecutive DirectorNational Association for Parents of Children with Visual Impairments

Martin R. LewisMartin R. Lewis Associates

Jeffrey M. Liebmann, MDClinical Professor of OphthalmologyDirector, Glaucoma ServiceManhattan Eye, Ear & Throat Hospital

Maurice H. Luntz, MDEmeritus Clinical ProfessorThe Mount Sinai School of MedicineEmeritus Director Glaucoma ServiceManhattan, Eye, Ear & Throat Hospital

Kenneth Mortenson

Susan A. Murphy

Sheldon M. Siegel

James C. Tsai, MDProfessor & ChairmanDepartment of Ophthalmology & Visual ScienceYale School of Medicine

Mary Jane Voelker

Irving Wolbrom

Alcon Laboratories, Inc.Kevin J. BuehlerSenior Vice PresidentUS Chief Marketing Officer

Allergan, Inc.Julian GangolliCorporate Vice PresidentPresident, North American Pharmaceuticals

Pfizer, Inc.Dennis KowalskiDirector/Team Leader – US MarketingOphthalmic & Endocrine Care

PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Scott R. Christensen

Letter from the President

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Doctor, I Have a Question.

??DIHAQ

Questions answered by:Philip P. Chen, MDProfessor, OphthalmologyChief of OphthalmologyUniversity of Washington Medical Center

What type of doctor should I seeabout glaucoma?Optometrists (ODs), ophthalmologists (MDs) andglaucoma specialists are all qualified eye careprofessionals who can provide comprehensiveeye examinations.

Optometrists can examine the eye to diagnoseand treat vision problems and abnormalitiesthrough non-surgical means, and prescribeglasses, contact lenses and some types ofmedications.

Ophthalmologists have received graduatetraining in a medical school and thenspecialized in the medical and surgicaltreatment of eye diseases and injuries. They seepatients for routine eye care, do eyeexaminations, prescribe medications andperform eye surgery.

Glaucoma Specialists are ophthalmologists whohave completed additional post residencyfellowship training specific to glaucoma,including surgical care of complex glaucomaproblems.

What are some common mistakespatients make in taking theirmedications?Not using medications correctly, also known asnon-compliance with treatment, is the biggestmistake. A very new survey from Canada justfound that half of glaucoma patients do not use

their medications properly because of eithernoncompliance or improper administrationtechniques. Such findings are not unique toCanada. It is crucial for patients to take theirmedications exactly as prescribed. Patientsshould also know their own medical history. Forinstance, if you once had laser surgery, or if youtried a specific eye drop in the past that didn'twork, it's good to keep a brief journal and a logof the medications.

Be informed. Talk to your doctor. Make sure youunderstand why you need to take yourmedications and what they are doing for you.Write down your medication routine, includingthe drug name (generic and brand name), timeto use, frequency, and dosage. And rememberto take this info with you when you aretraveling away from your home

Are there any new eye drops onthe horizon? There may be additional combination eye dropsthat could be coming soon. Fixed combinationmedications simplify the regimen for somepatients and may improve compliance. But thisis taking time, as they are expensive to developand to test. In addition, the FDA requires thatcombination agents have to be shown to workbetter than the two components agents takenseparately and that’s a difficult thing to prove.New medications that can be taken once a daywould be welcome

In this issue’s “Doctor, I Have a Question” feature, the questions are answered by Philip P. Chen, MD Dr. Chen is one of the esteemed members of TGF’s Medical Advisory Board (MAB), the group of notedexperts that keeps The Foundation abreast of all medical advances to ensure that educational, informationaland outreach programs are current, accurate and responsive to patient needs. You’ll meet other MABmembers as we share their expertise in future issues. – James C. Tsai, MD Chair, Medical Advisory Board

TGF MEDICAL ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS James C. Tsai, MD Chair, Medical Advisory BoardGregory K. Harmon, MD Chairman of the Board • Robert Ritch, MD Medical Director • Balwantray C. Chauhan, PhDPhilip P. Chen, MD • Murray Fingeret, OD • David S. Greenfield, MD • Paul Kaufman, MD • Theodore Krupin, MDJeffrey M. Liebmann, MD • Maurice H. Luntz, MD • David S. Walton, MD

Eye DropsSince eye drops are absorbedinto the bloodstream, tell yourdoctor about all othermedications you are currentlytaking. Almost all eye drops maycause an uncomfortable burningor stinging sensation at first, butthis discomfort should last foronly a few seconds. Some of themost widely used classes of eyedrops are:

Class of Drug: Prostaglandin AnalogsThis is the newest class of drugand acts differently from otherglaucoma drops. IOP is loweredby the drug opening up a newpathway by which fluid flowsout of the eye. The drug needsto be taken only once a day.

Generic and Brand Names:Bimatoprost (Lumigan®)Latanoprost (Xalatan®)Travaprost (Travatan® andTravatan Z®)

Possible Side Effects: May causeredness of the eyes. With longterm use, may darken the colorof the iris (for example, fromgreen to brown), as well as theskin around the eyes. May alsocause eye lashes to grow darker,longer and thicker. Used withcaution in patients with activeinflammation of the eye.

Class of Drug: Beta-BlockersDecreases production ofintraocular fluid.

Generic and Brand Names: Betaxolol (Betoptic®S), Carteolol (Ocupress®)Levobunalol (Betagan®)Timolol Maleate (Timoptic®) or(Istalol®)

Possible Side Effects: Mayworsen pulmonary disease,cause difficulty breathing, slowthe pulse, lower blood pressureand heart rate, cause dizziness,fatigue, hallucination, insomnia,memory loss and difficulty with

strenuous exercise. You shouldadvise your doctor if you

have asthma,emphysema, chronic

obstructivepulmonarydisease orother lung orheart diseasesbefore starting

this class of medicine. Rare sideeffects can include impotence,depression, hair loss, reducedlibido. Note: Specific beta-1-blockers, such as betaxolol, aresafer for patients who sufferfrom pulmonary diseases.

Class of Drug: Alpha-2 Adrenergic AgonistsGeneric and Brand Name:Apraclonidine (Iopidine®)

This drug is used at the time oflaser treatment to prevent asudden rise in IOP.

Generic and Brand Names:Brimonidine (Alphagan®)(Alphagan®P)

Is a highly selective alpha-2adrenoceptor agonist. Reducesaqueous humor production andincreases drainage of intraocularfluid.

Note: Brimonidine should beavoided in infants and youngchildren since the drug maycause excessive drowsiness andlethargy in these patients.

Possible Side Effects: Mayproduce allergic reactions anditching in the eyes.

Advise your doctor if you arecurrently taking monoamineoxidase inhibitors or tricyclicantidepressants.

Class of Drug: Miotics

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Glaucoma MedicationsTaking medications regularly and exactly as prescribed is crucial to controlling your eye pressure (IOP) and preventing vision loss. You and your doctor need to work together as a team in the battle againstglaucoma. Today there are numerous classes of glaucoma drugs and many combinations of medicationsthat can be used to control IOP. Medications to lower IOP work in two different ways: they reduce theamount of fluid produced by the eye or increase the amount of drainage out of the eye.

It’s important to discuss side effects with your doctor. While every drug has some potential side effects,many patients experience none at all. Medications come in different forms. However, the most commontype of medication today is the eye drop.

This class of drug helps openthe eye’s drain and increasesthe rate of fluid flowing out of the eye.

Generic and Brand Names:Pilocarpine (Isoptocarpine®,Pilocar ®)

Possible Side Effects: Maycause pain around/inside theeye or a brow ache for the firstfew days of use. Blurred visionand extreme nearsightednessare most common in youngerpatients. As miotics reducepupil size and prevent normaldilation, dim vision, especiallyat night or in dark rooms, mayoccur. Stuffy nose, sweating,increased salivation, andoccasional gastrointestinalproblems may occur withstronger miotics.

Class of Drug: CarbonicAnhydrase InhibitorsDecreases production ofintraocular fluid.

Generic and Brand Names:Brinzolamide (Azopt®),Dorzolamide (Trusopt®),

Possible Side Effects: Maycause burning and/or stingingof eyes and change in taste.Also may have side effectssimilar to those of the pills (seebelow) but with much lowerfrequency and severity.

Class of Drug:Sympathomimetic NonselectiveDecreases the rate of aqueoushumor production andincreases its outflow.

Generic and Brand Name:Dipivefrin hydrochloride(Propine®)

Possible Side Effects: Maycause redness, burning,

stinging, blurred vision. Also,increased heart rate andpalpitations.

Class of Drug: FixedCombination Glaucoma DrugsDecreases production ofintraocular fluid. Because manypatients require more thanone type of medication tocontrol IOP, a few companieshave produced combinationdrops that include twodifferent medicines in thesame bottle.

Generic and Brand Names:Brimonidine Tartrate & TimololMaleate (CombiganTM)

Possible Side Effects: Sideeffects of CombiganTM includethe symptoms of alphaagonists and beta-blockers.

Generic and Brand Names:Dorzolomide HC1 & TimololMaleate (Cosopt®)

Possible Side Effects: Sideeffects of Cosopt® include thesymptoms of carbonicanhydrase inhibitors and beta-blockers. May include burningand/or stinging of the eyes andchanges in sense of taste.

PillsSometimes, when eye dropsdon’t sufficiently control IOP,pills may be prescribed inaddition to drops. These pills,which have more systemic sideeffects than drops, also serveto turn down the eye’s faucetand lessen the production offluid. They are usually takenfrom two to four times daily. Itis important to share thisinformation with all your otherdoctors so they can prescribe

medications for you which willnot cause potentiallydangerous interactions. Thefollowing are some commonlyprescribed carbonic anhydraseinhibitors and their morecommon side effects.

Class of Drug: CarbonicAnhydrase Inhibitors

Generic and Brand Names:Acetazolamide (Diamox®),Methazolamide (Neptazane®)

Pills will reduce fluid flow intothe eye. These should be takenwith meals or milk to reduceside effects. Bananas or applejuice should be added to thediet to minimize potassiumloss.

Possible Side Effects: Frequenturination, tingling sensation inthe fingers and toes. Thesesymptoms often disappearafter a few days. Kidney stonesmay occur. A rare but seriousside effect is aplastic anemia.Rashes are not uncommon.Potassium loss may occur whenthese drugs are taken withdigitalis, steroids, or choloroth-iazide diuretics. Depression,fatigue, and lethargy arecommon. Other side effectsinclude gastrointestinal upset,metallic taste to carbonatedbeverages, impotence,and weight loss.

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Staying Fit is Good For Your Eyes

6

TGF to Honor New York GovernorNew York Governor David Paterson will be honored by The GlaucomaFoundation as the 2008 recipient of the Kitty Carlisle Hart Award of Merit forLifetime Achievement. The award will be presented to Governor Paterson atTGF’s Black and White Ball on December 3.

Paterson, who is legally blind, was diagnosed with acute glaucoma in his left eyeon May 20th, after admitting himself to Mount Sinai Medical Center in New YorkCity, complaining of what his office called “migraine-like symptoms.” Acuteangle closure glaucoma is an emergency situation in which the passageway thatnormally allowed fluids to drain freely from the eye suddenly becomescompletely blocked. The condition is extremely painful and is a medicalemergency. The governor underwent a surgical procedure called laser iridotomythe same day to relieve pressure in that eye.

Governor Paterson’s attack was in his left eye, in which he has been legally blindsince infancy, the result of an ear infection that spread to his optic nerve. OnMay 23rd, Governor Paterson underwent a second laser iridotomy, this time onhis right eye, which has very limited vision.

Exercise could provide an extra bonus ifyou are one of the 3 million Americanswho have glaucoma, or among themany millions more who are at risk fordeveloping the disease.

While the mainstay of glaucoma therapyremains lowering intraocular pressure(IOP) with medication, laser treatment orsurgery, there is some evidence that aregular aerobic program can helpsupport your medical therapy.

Numerous studies have looked atdifferent types of dynamic aerobicexercise – bicycling, brisk walking,marathon running, jogging, swimming,gym conditioning – and determined thatwhen exercise is intense, IOP fallssubstantially. The degree and durationof pressure reduction differs from studyto study depending on the intensity andtime span of the exercise. And thebenefit continues only as long as youcontinue exercising. But even if you havebeen sedentary, simply going for a walkthree or more times a week is a goodstart.

A few words of caution. Exercises inwhich you stand on your head orshoulders or invert your body – as inupside down yoga positions, scubadiving and bungee jumping – should beavoided as they can raise IOP. Exercises inwhich you inhale and then hold yourbreath – such as weightlifting – appearto have a negative impact on IOP aswell.

Also, some forms of glaucoma (such asclosed angle) are not responsive to theeffects of exercise and other types of thedisease (such as pigmentary glaucoma)may develop a temporary increase in IOPafter vigorous exercise. The bottom line:always check with your ophthalmologistand your general physician beforestarting any new exercise regime!

A final note: while drinking plenty offluid is important before, during andafter exercising, drink fluids slowly.Drinking a quart of water within 15 to30 minutes can cause a rise in IOP. Usecommon sense as to how fast it goesdown!

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WE NEEDY O U R S U P P O R T

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pursuit of new treatments and cures for glaucoma.Enclosed is my tax-deductible gift of:

■■ $25 ■■ $50 ■■ $100 ■■ $250 ■■ $500

■■ $1000 ■■ Other $__________

Please make checks payable to: The Glaucoma Foundation.

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212.285.0080

* In order to locate additional supporters, The Foundation occasionally trades mailing lists with other non-profit organizations.Checking this box will ensure that The Glaucoma Foundation never trades your address. [ 47-2008]

✄

Upcoming Glaucoma Supportand Education Group Meetings:New York C i ty ChapterDate: Saturday, September 20, 2008Topic: What Your Doctor May Not Tell You…Speaker: Gregory Harmon, MDLocation: New York Eye and Ear Infirmary

310 East 14th Street, NYCTime: 11:00am

Date: Saturday, October 18, 2008Speaker: Kevin Tilton, Director of InTouch NetworksLocation: New York Eye and Ear Infirmary

310 East 14th Street, NYCTime: 11:00am

Date: Saturday, November 15, 2008Topic: Recent Research for Managing GlaucomaSpeaker: Tiago Prata, MD – Glaucoma FellowLocation: New York Eye and Ear Infirmary

310 East 14th Street, NYCTime: 11:00am

New England ChapterDate: Saturday, October 4, 2008

Topic: Kids with Glaucoma: Advancements inTreatment and Care

Speaker: David Walton, MDLocation: Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary

243 Charles Street, Boston, MATime: 10:00am

Date: Saturday, October 25, 2008

Topic: Glaucoma Resources in Your Community: A Panel Discussion

Speaker: Pat Carleton, MSW and Christine Finn, MEEIPharmacist

Location: Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary243 Charles Street, Boston, MA

Time: 10:00am

RSVP Required for The New England Chapter Meeting Only– 212.285.0080

For more information please call TGF at 212.285.0080

CHAPTERC O R N E R

Spring 2008TGF has approved the funding of fivenew innovative research projects thatfocus on better understanding severaltypes of glaucoma.

Tom Glaser, MD, PhDAssociate Professor, Internal MedicineUniversity of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor

ATOH7 (Math5) Mutations in OpticNerve Aplasia

Retinal ganglion cell (RGC) neuronsand their axons in the optic nerve arethe targets of glaucoma diseasepathology. This project studies ATOH7,a major gene discovered by theproject team that controls the firststep in the formation of RGCs fromembryonic retinal stem cells. Theproject explores how mutations,identified within or near ATOH7, causecongenital absence of the optic nervein two families. In one, they willcompare the molecular properties ofnormal and mutant ATOH7 proteinproducts. In the other, they will findthe exact DNA change that causes thisdisease by high-resolution genomicanalysis. Complementary studies willtest whether halving the ATOH7 genedosage affects the number of opticnerve axons. The results should help toguide future studies on RGCregeneration and optic nerve disease.

Vincent Raymond, MD, PhDProfessor, Departments of Ophthalmology and Anatomy-Physiology Université Laval Hospital Research Center,Quebec City, Canada

Characterization of Modifiers forOpen-Angle Glaucoma by CandidateGene Screening and Genome WideLinkage Study Neuroprotection

Genetic factors play a major role inthe etiology of glaucoma. Fourteen

chromosomal regions encode genesfor primary open-angle glaucoma(POAG), the most common form ofglaucoma, but only three of thesegenes have been identified: myocilin,optineurin and WDR36. The surprisingoccurrence of older individuals withhealthy vision, despite the fact thatthey are carriers of myocilinmutations, raises the possibility that“good” genes, named protectivemodifier genes, maintain healthyvision by counteracting the effects of“bad” genes. The investigatorsrecently found evidence for at leastone of these modifier genes in theworld’s largest known glaucomafamily. The goal of this study is todiscover these modifier genes. Theiridentification should offer novel andpowerful approaches for discoveringdrugs to treat and perhaps preventglaucoma.

Michal Schwartz, PhDProfessor of Neuroimmunology,Department of NeurobiologyWeizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel

Searching for a Molecular Mechanismto Awaken Dormant Retinal StemCells: A Therapeutic Approach toGlaucoma

While treatments are available tolower pressure in the eye, and therebyprevent continued damage fromglaucoma, there is currently no curefor glaucoma nor any therapy capableof inducing cell renewal in thedamaged tissue. Stem cells, which candifferentiate to form numerous celltypes, might be used to replace nervecells in the retina that have been lostto glaucoma. Stem cells exist in thehuman eye but are dormant. Dr.Schwartz will explore the reasons whyocular stem cells are unable to divide

Research Grants

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Research Grants continued

and form new nerve cells, and to use thisinformation as a basis for therapy aimed atawakening these stem cells in order to circumventthe need for donor stem cells.

David W. Sretavan, MD, PhDProfessor of Ophthalmology, University of California San Francisco

Micro & Nanotechnology-Based Bioplatforms for High-Throughput Analysis of Axon-GlialInteractions in Glaucomatous Neuropathy

Better understanding of the causes of damage tothe axons of retinal ganglion cells should lead toimproved treatment of glaucoma. This project will develop a new type of highly versatilemicroplatform for glaucoma research thatincorporates advances in micro and nanotech-nology to provide researchers with unprecedentedcontrol over key experimental parameters. Withthis bioplatform, researchers will be able toconduct high-throughput experimentation simulta-neously on a hundred axons, providing the amountof data that currently might require several dozenrounds of experimentation. This project willfabricate and test this new generation of

micro/nano research bioplatforms with the ultimateaim of using these devices to analyze cellularcommunication between retinal axons and glialcells.

Xianjun Zhu, PhDResearch Scientist, The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME

Characterizing Microglial Activation in a MouseModel of Glaucoma

Mice provide valuable models for molecular andmechanistic studies of glaucoma pathogenesis andfor the rational development of neuroprotectivetherapy. DBA/2J mice provide an inheritedglaucoma model that accurately reproduces manyhallmarks of human glaucoma. Microglia are cellsthat appear to play an important role in glaucoma.However, their role is not clearly defined. Thisproject aims at determining how the expression ofvarious microglial genes change during DBA/2Jglaucoma and to assess the relationship of thesechanges to glaucomatous damage. The researcherswill also assess the role of a microglial enzyme inDBA/2J glaucoma. This will be one of the firstexperiments to functionally test the role of aspecific microglial molecule in glaucoma.

2008 Young Clinician Scientist GrantIn addition to the five researchers receiving grants under TGF’sGrants-in-Aid program, Pradeep Y. Ramulu, MD, PhD, hasbeen named this year’s recipient of The Glaucoma Foundationsupported Young Clinician Scientist Grant, a one-year grantawarded by the American Glaucoma Society with TGF funds.Dr. Ramulu is Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology at theWilmer Eye Institute, John Hopkins University, in Baltimore.

He is investigating “Reading Impairment in Subjects withBilateral Glaucoma.” As Dr. Ramulu explains, “The impact ofglaucoma on task performance has mainly been definedthrough questionnaire-based research. Here, we propose toevaluate whether reading is impaired through direct measuresof reading performance. The outcomes of this work will helpanswer whether glaucoma impairs reading ability, and if so,what type/amount of field loss is required for impairment, andunder what conditions impairment first manifests.”

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PAIDPERMIT NO. 60

FARMINGDALE, NY11735

A copy of The Glaucoma Foundation’s annual financial report may be obtained upon request by writing to The Foundation at 8o Maiden Lane, Suite 700, New York, NY 10038 or by residents of the states listed below from the appropriate state agency.Florida: A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Division of Consumer Services by calling toll-free within the State .Registration Number - CH7263. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, orrecommendation by the State. Maryland: Information filed under the Maryland Charitable Organizations Laws can be obtained for the cost of postage and copies from the Office of the Maryland Secretary of State, Statehouse, Annapolis, MD 21401 or bycalling 410-974-5534. Mississippi: Mississippi Secretary of State’s Office, Charities registration, PO Box 136, Jackson, MS 39205-0136, 601-359-1633. New Jersey: Information filed with the Attorney General concerning this charitable solicitation may beobtained from the Attorney General of the State of New Jersey by calling 201-504-6215. Registration with the Attorney General does not imply endorsement. New York: A copy of the last annual report filed may be obtained upon request in writing tothe Office of the Attorney General, Department of Law, Charities Bureau, 120 Broadway, New York, NY 10271. North Carolina: A copy of the license to solicit charitable contributions as a charitable organization or sponsor and financial information maybe obtained from the Department of Human Resources, Solicitation Licensing Branch, by calling 919-733-4510. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the State. Pennsylvania: The official registration and financialinformation of The Glaucoma Foundation may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll free, within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement. Virginia: Official registration and financialinformation of The Glaucoma Foundation may be obtained from the State Division of Consumer Affairs, Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services, P.O. Box 1163, Richmond, VA 23209. Washington: Registration and financial report informationmay be obtained from the Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504-0422 or by calling 1-800-332-4483. West Virginia: West Virginia residents may obtain a summary of the registration and financialdocuments from the Secretary of State, State Capitol, Charleston, WV 25305. Registration does not imply endorsement.

S U M M E R2 0 0 8

The Glaucoma Foundation80 Maiden Lane, Suite 700 New York, NY 10038www.glaucomafoundation.orgT 212.285.0080 F 212.651.1888

CHANGE

John W. Grunden, Pharm.D., Senior Director/Global Medical Team Leader, Ophthalmology, within thePfizer Global Medical Organization in New York City, has joined TGF’s Scientific Advisory Board. AtPfizer, he is responsible for U.S. and global glaucoma medical activities, including the conduct of clinicaltrials, investigator-initiated research grants, strategic planning, and interactions with global regulatoryagencies. Prior to his appointment at Pfizer in 2003, Dr. Grunden worked in global medical affairs atPharmacia, where he supported the ophthalmology franchise. He has also held numerous academicappointments.

He received his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Utah. Dr. Grunden completed aspecialized residency in drug information with emphasis on study design and literature evaluation fromUniversity Hospital and Clinics in Salt Lake City. There he received the Upjohn Pharmacy ResearchAward, the Pfizer Pharmaceuticals Excellence in Pharmacy Award, and the Facts and ComparisonsAward for Drug Information.

In addition to shaping TGF’s scientific message to the public, members of the Scientific Advisory Boardoften serve on the committee that reviews research applications and makes recommendations to TheFoundation’s Board for funding approval.

TGF Appoints New Scientific Advisory Board Member