Dr. Jeremy Sivak is a Senior Scientist and the Chair in Glaucoma Research at the Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute at Toronto Western Hospital. The Institute is at the forefront of new research that is beginning to change the thinking around treatment for g
Mediaplanet What has changed in our understanding of glaucoma?
Dr. Jeremy Sivak Until recently, researchers focused on pressure in the eye, which was thought to irreversibly damage the optic nerve. We are now learning this isn’t always the case and that glaucoma is averycomplex disease. We still need to better understand what is going on.But we know that glaucoma is essentially a neurodegenerative process, a disease of the optic nerve and retina. My lab and our collaborators have recently discovered that a protective molecule, called Lipoxin B4 (or LXB4), normally found in our eyes and brain, is reduced following a glaucomatous injury.
MP How will this knowledge help find a new treatment?
DJS The LXB4 sends a protective signal to nerve cells and inflammatory cells, telling them that everything is okay. Our goal is to restore this molecule’s function, to prevent irreversible damage to the optic nerve. I am always reluctant to estimate a timeline, but this discovery may represent a practical approach to treating nerve damage in glaucoma.
MP Why is it challenging to develop a new treatment?
DJS Getting a drug to the right place, and getting it to do what it’s supposed to do without negatively impacting other parts of the body, is not easy. Fortunately, there is a possibility that our work will benefit not only those with glaucoma, but a variety of related neurodegenerative processes, like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
MP What motivates you, and how important are philanthropic donors to your work?
DJS There are no treatments at the moment to restore sight for someone who has lost it due to nerve damage from glaucoma, and that’s a frightening prospect for those facing it. Finding a cure is what motivates me, and donors are invaluable partners in our work. Toronto General & Western Hospital Foundation supports our work at the Institute, enabling us to hire experienced research staff and purchase critical pieces of equipment, including the recent acquisition of a state-of-the-art microscope, which has allowed cutting-edge analysis.