National Glaucoma Research
For the last 45 years, National Glaucoma Research, a BrightFocus Foundation program, has accelerated groundbreaking research into the root causes of this sight-stealing disease and a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. We support exceptional scientists worldwide studying cutting-edge prevention strategies, treatments, and a cure to defeat glaucoma.
Our Impact: Making a Difference
National Glaucoma Research is currently supporting a global portfolio of 61 active research grants, a more than $13 million investment. Our grants are vetted through a rigorous evaluation process by the world’s top scientists and clinicians who serve on our scientific review committee.
With our grants, scientists are developing and testing hundreds of hypotheses about how the disease destroys the optic nerve and results in vision loss and blindness.
61
Active scientific research projects supported worldwide
201
Glaucoma scientists currently supported through our grants
~$51M
Invested in glaucoma research since inception
Recent News
News & Breakthroughs
Could Listening in to Cellular Communication Help Treat Glaucoma?
By unlocking the secrets of how cells communicate, this first-of-its-kind BrightFocus National Glaucoma Research-funded study could help prevent vision loss and restore sight for those living with the disease.
Helping the Eye Repair Itself: New Study Offers Clues to Restoring Vision Lost to Glaucoma
A new BrightFocus-funded study uncovers genetic clues that could point to new strategies for regrowing neurons in people living with glaucoma.
Investigating Eye Pressure to Prevent Glaucoma-Related Vision Loss
National Glaucoma Research grant recipient Bingrui Wang, PhD, and her mentor Ian Sigal, PhD, are investigating axon deformation and its link to damage to understand glaucoma’s causes. Read a Q&A with Dr. Wang.
Experimental Drug Could Improve Vision in Glaucoma
Explore new experimental drugs being tested for glaucoma treatment. Read about research that aims to preserve vision.
New Study Reveals Health Disparities in Glaucoma Care
Learn about racial disparities in glaucoma care, highlighting the urgent need for equitable healthcare practices.
BrightFocus Foundation Announces 2024 Glaucoma Chats Audio Programming
The 2024 schedule of Glaucoma Chats, free, accessible, and interactive audio podcast conversations with leading experts.
FDA Approves First-of-its-Kind Glaucoma Treatment
Read about FDA-approved iDose® TR for glaucoma treatment, an eye implant offering up to three years of continuous medication, potentially eliminating daily eye drop routines.
Breakthrough Discovery Reveals New Pathway to Lowering Eye Pressure
Discover research that uncovers a new pathway for lowering eye pressure in glaucoma. Learn about the Schlemm’s canal’s pivotal role in eye health.
Blocking a “Master Switch” in the Eye’s Immune Cells to Treat Glaucoma
BrightFocus-funded research has shed new light on a way to block a “master switch” in the microglia, introducing a possible target for combatting glaucoma as well as other neurodegenerative diseases.
Why It Matters
Why Glaucoma Research Matters
Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide, according to the World Health Organization, affecting 80 million people.
Given the aging of the world’s population, this number may increase to more than 111 million by 2040. In the United States, glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness among African Americans and Hispanics.
National Glaucoma Research is on a mission to cure this sight-stealing disease.
We believe that by providing initial funding for highly innovative experimental research and creative ideas, we can spark revolutionary approaches and vision-saving breakthroughs.
Our Approach to Research
National Glaucoma Research takes a 360-degree approach to funding innovative scientific research worldwide to defeat glaucoma. We explore the full range of scientific paths–from controlling eye pressure in new ways to protecting and regenerating the optic nerve–to uncover new techniques for preventing, treating, and curing glaucoma.
Resources
We’re here for you.
Glaucoma Explained: Types, Risk Factors, and Treatments
Join us for an insightful conversation with Dr. Jaehong Han about the different types of glaucoma, including open-angle, angle-closure, normal-tension, and more, discussing who is most affected by each and how treatments can vary.
Can AI Prevent Vision Loss From Glaucoma?
What you need to know about how artificial intelligence could improve glaucoma detection, treatment, and care.
Glaucoma Treatments in 2024
A glaucoma specialist discussed the diverse landscape of glaucoma treatments, including newly approved medications.
How to Ask Family About Glaucoma History: A Conversation Guide
Uncover how to discuss glaucoma’s hereditary aspects with relatives using our conversation guide.
Latest Updates on Glaucoma Eye Drops
Dr. Natasha Nayak Kolomeyer, glaucoma specialist and ophthalmologist at Wills Eye Hospital, discusses various types of eye drops used in glaucoma treatment, how they work, potential side effects, and tips for managing challenges associated with their use.
Childhood Glaucoma
Learn about the different types of childhood glaucoma, including primary congenital, infantile, and juvenile glaucoma.
Financial Aid for Glaucoma Medications
Learn about financial aid resources that may be available to help cover the costs of your glaucoma prescription medications.
Treatments for Glaucoma
Read and download a printable fact sheet about the various types of glaucoma treatments.
Exploring Artificial Intelligence and Glaucoma: Challenges, Opportunities, and Hope
Discover the innovative ways scientists and healthcare professionals are leveraging artificial intelligence to detect and diagnose glaucoma.
Grants & Scientists
Apply for a Research Grant
National Glaucoma Research provides research funds for U.S. domestic and international researchers studying glaucoma.