Preventing Glaucoma

The eye disease glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide. Studies suggest glaucoma's blinding effects are caused by the damage and death of retinal ganglion cells, the neurons found in the back of the eye that communicate visual information to the brain. This image shows two healthy retinal ganglion cells in yellow and teal. Scientists believe that one of the earliest signs of glaucoma involves changes in the structure of these cells’ dendrites. By studying the timing and pattern of these and other changes during glaucoma, scientists hope to develop new tools to preserve vision.