OBN Survey Reveals Glaucoma as Top Priority for Ophthalmology Research

A recent LinkedIn poll conducted by OBN asked its followers which area of ophthalmology they thought needed more research attention. The poll received a total of 334 votes and found that the majority of respondents, 37%, felt that glaucoma required more research attention.

Glaucoma is a disease that affects the optic nerve and can lead to irreversible blindness if left untreated. It is estimated to affect over 80 million people worldwide and is the second leading cause of blindness. Despite its prevalence, there are currently limited treatment options available for glaucoma, and research is needed to better understand the disease's underlying mechanisms and develop new therapies.

The second most popular response, with 28% of the votes, was AMD, which stands for age-related macular degeneration. AMD is a condition that affects the macula, the central part of the retina, and can lead to vision loss in individuals over 50 years of age. Like glaucoma, AMD is a prevalent condition, with an estimated 196 million people affected globally. Research in this field is aimed at identifying new treatment options and preventative measures to address this growing issue.

The third most popular response, with 26% of the votes, was diabetic retinopathy, which is a complication of diabetes that affects the blood vessels in the retina. This condition can lead to vision loss and is the leading cause of blindness among working-age adults. With the global prevalence of diabetes expected to increase, there is a critical need for research to better understand the underlying mechanisms of diabetic retinopathy and develop new treatments.

The remaining 9% of respondents believed that other areas of ophthalmology, such as inherited retinal diseases including retinitis pigmentosa, and Leber’s congenital amaurosis, require more research attention.

The results of the OBN poll highlight the areas of ophthalmology that practitioners and industry professionals believe require more research attention. As the world's population ages and chronic diseases such as diabetes become more prevalent, addressing the growing burden of vision loss requires sustained research efforts. By prioritizing research in areas such as glaucoma, AMD, and diabetic retinopathy, we can develop new treatments and preventative measures to address the global burden of vision loss.

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