Can Nerve Growth Factor Eye Drops Protect Retinal and Optic Nerve Cells From Damage Caused by Glaucoma?
August 12, 2009
Researchers in Italy found the use of nerve growth factor eye drops (NGF) protects retinal ganglion cells from damage caused by high eye pressure in glaucoma. This was reported in the August 3rd online edition of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
The researchers first studied the effects of the NGF drops in a rat model of glaucoma and found that 200 µg/mL of NGF was effective in preventing retinal cell death—more so than a 100 µg/mL dose. Three patients with progressive visual field defects despite IOP control were also treated with NGF eye drops; these patients underwent electrofunctional tests at baseline, after 3 months of NGF eye drops and after follow up.
The researchers found that there was significantly less retinal ganglion cell loss with NGF treatment. The patients treated with NGF showed improvements in visual field, optic nerve function, visual acuity and contrast sensitivity.
This is a very interesting finding because these eye drops may open up a new avenue of treatment for patients with glaucoma and other neurodegenerative diseases. Neuroprotection has been a new and active area of interest in the treatment of glaucoma; obviously there needs to be more research but these results are encouraging.
Read the abstract here.
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I have normal tension glaucoma however my OCT tests over the last four years still show a thinning of the membrane even though my pressures have been maintained under 11 if not single digits.
Would nerve growth factor eye drops be worth a try? Are these available here?
FDA approved a drop produced by Genetech this month “lucent is”. Could this drug be tried for NTG also?
http://www.dddmag.com/news-FDA-Approves-Lucentis-for-Macular-Edema-62410.aspx
Where can one purchase nerve growth factor drops?
diane- sorry i missed your question.
ngf is still experimental. not available, unless you can find a reputable, world-class institution where they are conducting tests.
lucentis is for macular degeneration and other vascular diseases of the eye, not glaucoma.
irene- they are not available- still experimental.
Hello , I am a Glaucoma patient . I just want to know if there are any NGF eye drops for Glaucoma yet ? If not any possibility when we could see it ? I am just 28 years and I am pretty worried about my condition . Thanks in advance for your help ?
ngf is in the very early stages of research. please contact a reputable, world-class eye institute to see what studies are being conducted