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Clinical trial offers fresh hope to millions at risk of glaucoma
Clinical trial offers fresh hope to millions at risk of glaucoma
04 March 2008
A British ophthalmologist from the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, flew to China last week to begin a three-year long clinical trial of laser treatment amongst people at risk of developing primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG). The trial is being funded by leading eye research charity, Fight for Sight, and is the first time that laser treatment will be trialed as a preventative treatment for PACG.
Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness and estimates suggest that by 2010, 60m people worldwide will be affected. PACG accounts for half of all patients and is particularly prevalent amongst Asian people. 2m people in China alone are blind in at least one eye as a result of the condition.
A representative sample of 700 patients aged 50 years and older will be drawn from an ongoing survey of eye disease amongst 10,000 residents from Guangzhou City in southern China. Participants in the trial will be randomised with half receiving laser treatment and half remaining untreated as a control. Subjects will be monitored regularly to assess the effectiveness of the treatment.
Dr Paul Foster who is leading the trial said: “This study offers the best opportunity to make a significant impact on the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. If the trial is a success then we believe that the treatment will be rapidly adopted by ophthalmologists in major urban centres throughout Asia. Glaucoma is a devastating disease and our aim is to help the millions of people at risk of developing the condition.”
The Chinese government is helping to support the project with funding to Dr Mingguang He who will be working alongside Dr Foster at the Zhongshan Ophthalmic Centre in Guangzhou.
Michele Acton, Chief Executive of Fight for Sight commented: ““There is general consensus that PACG is one of the leading global priorities for the prevention of blindness. Laser treatment has already been proven effective in treating patients with acute angle-closure glaucoma. Its use as a preventative treatment for PACG is now being measured for people at high risk of developing the condition.”
For further information or to arrange an interview with Dr Paul Foster please contact Cathy Hill at Fight for Sight on tel: +44 (0)20 7929 7755 or press@fightforsight.org.uk