Grant for glaucoma research

Fight for Sight has announced funding for a research project into medicine for those at risk of glaucoma from steroid use.

Professor Colin Willoughby from Ulster University has been awarded a £170,000 grant over the course of three years in order to develop a genetic test to predict how a patient will respond to steroids, which are frequently used to treat eye conditions but can cause an increase in eye pressure.

Professor Willoughby said: ‘I am delighted that Fight for Sight have funded this study which involves a network of ophthalmologists from all across the UK and Ireland contributing clinical data and DNA samples. This network and support from Fight for Sight will be a significant resource to study the genetics of the steroid response and develop genetic tests to personalise treatment and target NHS resources to patients at risk of complication.’