mecImpactReport 2022 v1.7 lr pages - Flipbook - Page 11
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Trial outcomes changing practice
The LiGHT trial is a multicentre randomised controlled trial led
by Professor Gus Gazzard, director of the glaucoma service
at Moorfields Eye Hospital, and professor in ophthalmology,
glaucoma studies at UCL London. The trial compared laser
treatment to eye drops in newly diagnosed patients.
This trial was a pivotal study that led to the change
in the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence
(NICE) guidelines [2]. NICE now recommends selective
laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) as the first line of treatment
for newly diagnosed ocular hypertension and open-angle
glaucoma patients.
3 out of 4 patients having
laser treatment did not need
any drops to control their
eye pressure.
Maximising impact and
outcomes of the LiGHT trial
Glaucoma is a chronic disease. Therefore, monitoring
participants from the LiGHT trial in a controlled way for
an extended period of time and where possible collecting
blood samples for genetic testing, will help add great depth
and breadth of research outcomes. The monitoring for
another three years provided more detail on the use of laser
treatment to control ocular pressure over an extended time.
The charity also funded a blood biobank, a resource to collate
blood samples from participants from the LiGHT trial, all of
whom gave consent. This will help further research into the
genetics of glaucoma and how it affects disease progression
and responses to treatments.
Looking beyond the UK, the charity has funded Professor
Gazzard to lead a sister LiGHT trial in China where the
three-year data is now being analysed.
We’re very pleased to have this long-term data on SLT effectiveness in controlling
glaucoma and ocular hypertension. It will be used by clinicians to support treatment
decisions. It shows the advantages of SLT over eye drops for long term care with reduced
sight deterioration and less likelihood of surgery.
Professor Gus Gazzard
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