Neovascular glaucoma is a potentially debilitating disease of the eye. Vascular eye disease
such as diabetes and vein occlusions can cause the retina to release factors that promote the
growth of abnormal blood vessels. These abnormal vessels can grow in the drainage mechanism
of the eye causing pressure in the eye to markedly increase. This can potentially cause
irreversible damage to the optic nerve from glaucoma leading to permanent blindness and
painful eyes. Conventional treatments including laser and freezing therapy take weeks to
cause regression in abnormal blood vessel growth. This delay often results in permanent
vision loss and pain. New medications targeted at more immediately reducing blood vessel
growth may aid in the treatment of this disease.