Symposium (EN Voice-Over of German Original)

Neurodegeneration in Glaucoma

Mechanisms, Research Approaches, and Therapeutic Strategies

Most glaucoma treatments focus on lowering intraocular pressure. However, this alone is often not sufficient to prevent progressive vision and visual field loss. To effectively counteract this neurodegeneration, new approaches are needed.

At DOG 2024 in Berlin, ebiga-VISION invited leading experts to a workshop

The contributions and discussions of the physicians and scientists provide an introduction to the mechanisms of neurodegeneration in primary open-angle glaucoma, as well as an overview of the current state of research and neuroprotective treatment options for clinical practice. Here you can find recordings of the presentations. You can choose to view individual talks by each speaker.

Fundamentals of neurodegeneration

Prof. Dr. V. Prokosch

Since October 2020, Univ.-Prof. Dr. Verena Prokosch has held the W2 Professorship for Glaucoma at the University Hospital Cologne. She is an internationally recognized specialist covering the full spectrum of glaucoma treatment, combining both conservative and surgical approaches. In her research, she focuses intensively on the development of neuroregenerative strategies and is involved in experimental and translational projects aimed at continuously improving therapy for glaucoma patients.

“The main problem remains the degeneration of retinal ganglion cells. These cells do not simply die; they also release toxic substances such as calcium and glutamate, which in turn lead to the death of additional cells. It is a cascade that ultimately results in blindness. We need to intervene as early as possible to prevent this loss as much as we can.”

Prof. Dr. Verena Prokosch

Research approaches to neurodegeneration: causes and therapeutic perspectives

Prof. Dr. S. Joachim

Prof. Dr. med. Stephanie Joachim is Head of the Experimental Eye Research Institute, founded in 2011 at the University Eye Clinic of the Knappschaft Hospital of Ruhr University Bochum. Her research group focuses on clinical and experimental basic research in ophthalmology. A key area of interest is neurodegenerative diseases of the retina, such as glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and retinal ischemia. In addition, the team investigates ocular involvement in systemic diseases such as multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica, using animal models, organ cultures, and cell cultures.

“Although we often work with rodents in research, we also strive to use larger models in parallel, as the pathogenesis of glaucoma is highly complex. This complexity requires studying different models and species to identify which approaches are most promising for clinical application.”

Prof. Dr. Stefanie Joachim

Current neuroprotective therapeutic strategies

Prof. Dr. C. Erb

Prof. Dr. med. Carl Erb

Prof. Dr. med. Carl Erb, a renowned glaucoma specialist, has been named one of Germany’s top physicians by FOCUS magazine for eight consecutive years. In 2019, he also received recognition as a specialist in glaucoma. He studied medicine in Bochum, Berlin, and England, and served as Head of the Department of Ophthalmology at Schlosspark Clinic in Berlin until 2011. Since then, he has been a leading glaucoma expert at the Klinik am Wittenbergplatz. In addition, he has served as Vice President of the Glaucoma Section of the German Ophthalmological Society since 2010.

“There are studies that suggest we have strong evidence – but the truth is that [by lowering intraocular pressure] we can only prevent minimal progression of glaucoma, not address its underlying cause.”

Prof. Dr. med. Carl Erb

This event is just the beginning – a statement from ebiga-VISION GmbH

“This event is just the beginning. […] For us, this represents a clear commitment. In the past, we have supported the implementation of several clinical studies, and we believe that neuroprotection today is at the stage where AMD therapy was 35 years ago. What we need now as a company is long-term perseverance to gather all the clinical evidence and provide the necessary proof.”

Neurodegeneration in Glaucoma

Mechanisms, Research Approaches, and Therapeutic Strategies

Videos on the speakers’ topics

Fundamentals of neurodegeneration

Prof. Dr. V. Prokosch

Research approaches to neurodegeneration: causes and therapeutic perspectives

Prof. Dr. S. Joachim

“Although we often work with rodents in research, we also strive to use larger models in parallel, as the pathogenesis of glaucoma is highly complex. This complexity requires studying different models and species to identify which approaches are most promising for clinical application.”

Current neuroprotective therapeutic strategies

Prof. Dr. C. Erb

Prof. Dr. med. Carl Erb

“There are studies that suggest we have strong evidence – but the truth is that [by lowering intraocular pressure] we can only prevent minimal progression of glaucoma, not address its underlying cause.”

This event is just the beginning – a statement from ebiga-VISION GmbH

Robert Kuchling, CEO ebiga-VISION GmbH

Neurodegeneration in Glaucoma

Mechanisms, Research Approaches, and Therapeutic Strategies

Videos on the speakers’ topics

Fundamentals of neurodegeneration

Prof. Dr. V. Prokosch

Research approaches to neurodegeneration: causes and therapeutic perspectives

Prof. Dr. S. Joachim

“Although we often work with rodents in research, we also strive to use larger models in parallel, as the pathogenesis of glaucoma is highly complex. This complexity requires studying different models and species to identify which approaches are most promising for clinical application.”

Current neuroprotective therapeutic strategies

Prof. Dr. C. Erb

Prof. Dr. med. Carl Erb

“There are studies that suggest we have strong evidence – but the truth is that [by lowering intraocular pressure] we can only prevent minimal progression of glaucoma, not address its underlying cause.”

This event is just the beginning – a statement from ebiga-VISION GmbH

Robert Kuchling, CEO ebiga-VISION GmbH

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