Dr. Walter – Investigating Genetic Cause of Pigmentary Glaucoma

Scientific Title: Deciphering the first gene for pigmentary glaucoma

Lead Investigator: Dr. Michael Walter
Institution: University of Alberta
Granted: $216,000 over 2 years

Pigmentary glaucoma is a form of glaucoma that occurs when pigment particles from the coloured part of the eye, called the iris, are released and clog up the drainage system in the eye. Left untreated this can cause vision loss or blindness.  Dr. Walter’s team recently discovered that a mutation in the PMEL gene can cause some forms of pigmentary glaucoma. In this project the team will study how this mutation impacts the eye’s drainage system. This information may help scientists develop new treatments for pigmentary glaucoma.

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