Paving the way to a blood test for glaucoma

Scientists from the University of Missouri have described two potential biomarkers of glaucoma in research published in Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science.

Researchers analysed samples of aqueous humor from the eyes of patients with primary open angle glaucoma.

In comparison to aqueous humor samples taken from healthy control patients, the scientists discovered 31 metabolites that showed “significant dysregulation.”

In particular, the researchers found significantly decreased levels of the metabolites agmatine and thiamine among the patients with glaucoma.

Assistant professor of ophthalmology at the University of Missouri, Dr Pawan Singh, highlighted that people often experience long waits before they discover they have glaucoma.

“Our long-term goal is to see if doctors could one day do a simple blood test to check for these biomarkers. If they can, hopefully they will be able to catch the disease much earlier, before vision loss occurs, so patients can receive treatment sooner,” he said.

Researchers are also exploring the therapeutic potential of agmatine and thiamine, with pre-clinical studies finding that the metabolites can protect retinal ganglion cells from damage – limiting the loss of visual function.

“While more work needs to be done, the eye doctors I have spoken to here at [the University of Missouri] are very excited about this research, so I am proud and hopeful for the future,” Singh said.