Canadian Glaucoma study uncovers new data on impact of risk factors on
disease progression

CNIB-funded study continues to produce vital information about the link
between treatment and reduced progression of vision loss

TORONTO, Oct 6 /CNW/ - New data from a major Canadian Glaucoma study funded by CNIB shows patients whose visual field was degenerating benefited significantly from additional reduction in eye pressure.

"One of the biggest problems in treating open-angle glaucoma is ensuring that people take their medication exactly as prescribed, particularly since there are no symptoms associated with vision loss," said Dr. Keith Gordon, CNIB Vice-President of Research. "This new data shows that reducing pressure in the eye becomes even more critical as the disease progresses, which means that in addition to having regular check-ups with an eye doctor to ensure early detection, people living with glaucoma need to take their medication consistently and monitor their condition on an ongoing basis."

Open-angle glaucoma involves damage to the eye's optic nerve, often caused by pressure within the eye. The disease progresses over many years, and some people do not realize they have it until vision loss is permanent and irreversible. In fact, only half of the 250,000 Canadians with glaucoma are even aware they have the disease.*

The first research paper to come from the Canadian Glaucoma study, released in 2007, identified four significant risk factors that can worsen the disease: abnormal anticardiolipin antibody level, age, female gender and higher intraocular pressure. Study researchers focused their 2010 analysis on determining rates of visual field change in patients with these risk factors. Findings show that aging patients were more prone to rapid changes in their vision, and patients whose visual fields were deemed to worsen by study criteria showed a significant slowing down in the rate of which the visual field changed following a modest (20%) additional reduction in eye pressure.

"As we continue to examine the data generated from this study, we expect to discover even more vital information on how we can further slow down the progression of open-angle glaucoma," said Dr. Balwantray Chauhan, the study's principal investigator, and Chair of Vision Research at Dalhousie University's Faculty of Medicine. "We're grateful to CNIB and all our partners for their ongoing support as we continue our research. This study is a collaborative effort involving dozens of ophthalmologists across the country."

About the Canadian Glaucoma Study
The Canadian Glaucoma study is the largest and most rigorous study on glaucoma ever undertaken in Canada and among the most significant worldwide. Conducted from 1994 to 2005 at a cost of $2.2 million, it followed 258 patients in university hospitals at McGill, Université de Montreal, Dalhousie, University of British Columbia, and University of Toronto. CNIB contributed $1.8 million to the study, with the balance coming from the Glaucoma Research Society of Canada, Merck Frosst, Pfizer, and Allergan.

Study researchers conducted the 2010 analysis with the involvement of 216 patients with a median age of 65.02 years, who were monitored for progression every four months.

*Cost of Vision Loss in Canada, commissioned by CNIB and Canadian Ophthalmologic Society (COS), released in June, 2009.

About CNIB
CNIB passionately provides community-based support, knowledge and a national voice to ensure Canadians who are blind or partially sighted have the confidence, skills and opportunities to fully participate in life. To find out more, visit www.cnib.ca or call 1-800-563-2642.

For further information:

Melita Vega
Manager, Communications - Ontario
CNIB
T: [phone] ext. 7715
E: [email protected]