Glaucoma damages the optic nerve, usually from high pressure inside the eye, and is a leading cause of blindness. Treatment focuses on lowering eye pressure with drops, laser, or surgery. Most people keep useful vision if diagnosed early, but about half of people with glaucoma don't know they have it until damage has occurred.
What's actually going on in research
Trials are testing neuroprotection drugs that aim to protect the optic nerve directly, sustained-release implants that deliver medication for months without daily drops, new drainage devices and surgical techniques, and gene therapy for inherited forms. Researchers are also studying early detection methods using retinal imaging and biomarkers.
Neuroprotection
Drugs are being tested that may protect nerve cells from dying even when eye pressure isn't fully controlled. This could help people whose glaucoma worsens despite normal pressure.
Sustained-release implants
Small devices placed in the eye release medication slowly over six months or longer. Several are now FDA-approved, and newer versions aim to last years without daily drops.
Gene therapy
For inherited glaucoma, researchers are testing one-time gene treatments. Early studies focus on forms caused by a single gene mutation.
What to know before you search
Eligibility usually depends on glaucoma type (open-angle, angle-closure, or normal-tension), current eye pressure, visual field loss, and whether you're already on treatment.
What types of trials are currently open
- Drug trials — Testing new eye drops or pills to lower eye pressure, often comparing them to standard drops or testing combinations.
- Device trials — Testing tiny implants that drain fluid from the eye or release medication over time, aiming to avoid daily drops.
- Surgical trials — Comparing new laser techniques or drainage surgeries to existing procedures, often for people whose glaucoma isn't controlled with drops.
- Neuroprotection trials — Testing drugs or supplements that may protect the optic nerve from damage, separate from lowering eye pressure.
- Observational studies — Following people with glaucoma to understand how the disease progresses and what factors predict vision loss.
Recently added Glaucoma trials
A Phase 2a Study Comparing the Efficacy, Safety and Tolerability of Pregabalin Eye Drops Comparing With Timolol Eye Drops in Adults With Glaucoma or High Eye Pressure.
This study is evaluating a new eye drop containing pregabalin (TB0001) as a potential treatment for people with primary open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. The study aims to determine whether TB0001 lowers eye pressure as effectively as timolol, a commonly used glaucoma eye drop, while remaining safe and well tolerated. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive one of three strengths of TB0001 or timolol for 28 days. Eye pressure, eye health, side effects and tolerability will be assessed throughout the study. The results will help identify the most appropriate dose of TB0001 for future clinical studies.
Effects of Balance Training in Individuals With Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a chronic progressive eye disease characterized by visual field loss, which may adversely affect postural control, functional mobility, and increase the risk and fear of falling. This randomized controlled trial aims to investigate the effects of balance training on balance performance, fall risk, and fear of falling in individuals with glaucoma. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a balance training group or a control group. The intervention group will participate in a structured balance training program for eight weeks, while the control group will continue their routine medical care. Balance performance, functional mobility/fall risk, and fear of falling will be assessed using the Berg Balance Scale, Timed Up and Go Test, and Falls Efficacy Scale-Internatio
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