New Breakthrough in Childhood Glaucoma

Medical researchers have found a genetic link to childhood glaucoma. Children who suffer from this degenerative eye disease either have missing or extra pieces of DNA, called copy number variations (CNV).

Pediatric glaucoma is a very serious disease that if untreated, can lead to blindness. New research from the University of Alberta has determined how these copy number variations occur.

This breakthrough has far reaching implications throughout the field of medicine. In the short term, it will further doctors' understanding of pediatric glaucoma. In the long term, researchers will be able to use this information to gain additional insight into other genetically based diseases connected to copy number variations. Some of these include heart disease and psoriasis.

This new research will have a profound impact on determining the cause of pediatric glaucoma, and ultimately, it will lead to better treatment as well. If your child has vision problems, it is important to have him or her examined by an ophthalmologist to make sure that serious disorders such as pediatric glaucoma are not the cause of the problem.

You can use the links at the links at the bottom of this page to find a qualified ophthalmologist in your area.