Glaucoma study supports view on lowering pressure

Eye pressure was lowered through a variety of methods, including laser surgery and eye drops. The research team found that lowering normal eye pressures by 30 per cent slows the progression of NTG. 'We have debated for years whether or not eye pressure matters in this disease,' said Tara Steele, GRF executive director. 'Proving that lowering pressure makes a difference is big news.' However, researchers caution doctors and patients that the decision to treat is a highly individual one. Lowering eye pressure helps to reduce progression of NTG, but surgical treatments often lead to the development of cataracts. Globally, 24 research and medical centres were involved in the study, which included over 200 patients. The study was led by Dr Douglas Anderson (Bascom Palmer Eye Institute) and Dr Stephen Drance (the University of British Columbia). Dr Drance said the research had been important as there was a division of thought as to whether pressure was involved in the progression of the disease. 'This study shows that treatment of these patients with pressure-reducing regimes is beneficial for their disease over time,' he said.