Mathematical modeling for novel treatment approaches to open-angle glaucoma

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Reduction of intraocular pressure, the only currently approved therapy for Open-angle glaucoma (OAG), has yet to fully arrest the disease process in many individuals, therefore it is critical to develop novel treatment approaches for OAG. Due to the multifactorial and complex nature of the disease, mathematical modeling may provide an effective tool to advance our understanding of glaucoma risk for a given individual.

Areas covered: Herein we discuss the impactful role that mathematical modeling and Big Data hold for the future of OAG treatment. Previous work on biophysical modeling in OAG is considered along with exploring how the combination of statistical and biophysical modeling with demographic and clinical data improves individualized risk assessment allowing for earlier and more effective OAG management. Literature search methods included PubMed, Medline, and cross-matching of relevant article literature sources.

Expert commentary: Mathematical modeling in OAG offers novel and promising improvements for OAG risk assessment. With further development mathematical modeling may allow for individualized risk assessments that will lead to more specific and earlier diagnostic and treatment interventions. Additionally, innovative drug development and treatment targets are conceivable through employment of biophysical modeling and tissue targeting.

KEYWORDS:

• Open angle glaucoma
• glaucoma treatment
• intraocular pressure
• aqueous humor
• mathematical modeling
• risk profile
• big data

Financial disclosures/Acknowledgments

A Harris would like to disclose that he receives remuneration from Lycored, CIPLA, Stemnion, Biolight, Nano Retina, AdOM, Science Based Health, Isarna Therapeutics, and Ono Pharmaceuticals for serving as a consultant. A Harris also holds an ownership interest in AdOM, Nano Retina, and Oxymap. All relationships listed above are pursuant to Indiana University’s policy on outside activities. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

Additional information

Funding

Supported by a grant from Research to Prevent Blindness, Inc. (New York, NY). The funding party did not have any role in the collection of data, analysis of data, writing the manuscript, or decision to submit the manuscript.