Rare Glaucoma Research – Iridocorneal Endothelial Syndrome

The cornea is a curved clear section of eye tissue that sits in front of the iris and pupil. It focusses incoming light onto the lens, which then provides fine focus adjustments, enabling objects to appear clear whether viewing close or at distance. Blindness can be caused by many conditions, affecting the cornea, lens, retina, optic nerve, or any other component of the visual sense pathway.

Glaucoma is a major contributor to global blindness. Rare forms of glaucoma have been studied to a lesser degree, hence are less-well understood – presenting major opportunities for advancements in treatment and management strategies. Our research focusses on rare forms of glaucoma, in particular, the rare condition of iridocorneal endothelial (ICE) syndrome. ICE syndrome has three sub-categories largely defined by the patient presentation at time of diagnosis. Broadly, ICE syndrome involves uncharacteristic migration and contraction of the cells lining the internal surface of the cornea (endothelium). The contraction can distort the pupil shape and tear additional openings in the iris. Migration of endothelial cells clogs the drainage channels which usually manage the balance of pressure within the eye. This can cause elevated intraocular pressure and glaucoma-like symptoms, including damage to the optic nerve at the back of the eye. The diagram below highlights these changes:

Being a rare disease, there is very little known about the prevalence and natural history of the condition within the Australian health context. To address this, we have established a research consortium of passionate medical researchers, ophthalmic surgeons, clinician-scientists, optometrists, and patient advocates to begin work on a clinical surveillance study, run histological investigations, and explore molecular techniques to better understand the cause/s of the condition in the hopes of finding more effective treatment options.

To provide a boarder scope in our research and deliver benefits to more patients, we are working to expand our surveillance study to include all rare forms of glaucoma: neovascular glaucoma, juvenile onset/congenital glaucoma, pseudoexfoliation syndrome, and other forms of secondary glaucoma, like ICE syndrome. If you would like to know more about our work in this area, please get in touch via the contact form below: