WVU vision researchers to explore relationship between low blood pressure and glaucoma
A new grant awarded to the West Virginia University Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences will allow researchers to utilize a newly developed ultrasound imaging technique to explore the relationship between low blood pressure and glaucoma, an ocular disease that can lead to irreversible blindness.
The grant, awarded by the Glaucoma Research Foundation (GRF) through the Arlene Anthony Grant for Innovative Glaucoma Research, provides $55,000 in funding for one year. The research is led by assistant professor and glaucoma specialist Joel Palko, M.D.
“While high intraocular pressure and aging are known to increase risk for glaucoma, the relationship between low blood pressure and the devastating blinding disease remains largely unexplored,” Dr. Palko explained. “We hypothesize that reduced blood flow from low blood pressure can increase strain on the optic nerve, leading to cell damage and potentially glaucoma progression. By uncovering the mechanisms linking low blood pressure to glaucoma, we aim to pave the way for new neuroprotective glaucoma treatments for our patients.”
Palko explained that in addition to the crucial funding provided by the GRF, this research was made possible in part by a new ultrasound imaging technique developed in his laboratory known as ultrasound localization microscopy (ULM).
“For several years, we were unable to explore the relationship between glaucoma and low blood pressure due to our inability to measure blood flow within the optic nerve, where glaucomatous damage takes place. Thanks to advancements in our laboratory, we are now able to quantify both ocular blood flow and tissue strain at depths critical to better understanding glaucoma pathophysiology,” he said.
The new imaging technique developed by Palko and his team will utilize high-frequency ultrasound waves to offer unprecedented spatial and temporal resolutions of blood flow at depths beyond the capabilities of conventional optical methods. Researchers will combine this method with established ultrasound elastography techniques to assess the response to low blood pressure within the optic nerve.
Palko expressed his gratitude to the GRF for funding this study, which he hopes will result in increased treatment options for patients with progressive glaucoma.
"I’m honored to receive support from the Glaucoma Research Foundation through the Arlene Anthony Grant for Innovative Glaucoma Research for this project. This funding allows us to investigate how low blood pressure may contribute to glaucomatous damage through changes in both blood flow and tissue mechanics — a research area that remains largely unexplored,” he said. “By advancing our understanding of these mechanisms, we hope to identify new therapeutic targets for patients with progressive glaucoma despite well-controlled intraocular pressure."
Since 1978, GRF has awarded more than 300 Shaffer Research Grants. To learn more, visit www.glaucoma.org/research/shaffer-research-grants.
To learn more about glaucoma, including symptoms and potential treatments, visit wvumedicine.org/eye/patient-care/specialty-care/glaucoma.
To learn more about research at the WVU Eye Institute and WVU Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, visit medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/eye/research.