Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness, affecting more than 80 million people worldwide. This complex disease gradually damages retinal ganglion cells—the neurons responsible for transmitting visual information from the eye to the brain—and current treatments often fail to halt vision loss.

At the Di Polo Lab, we investigate the earliest molecular and cellular events that trigger neurodegeneration in glaucoma. Our goal is to understand why neurons die—and how they can be protected or even regenerated.

By integrating pre-clinical models, cutting-edge imaging technologies, novel therapeutic strategies, and strong collaborations with clinicians and industry partners, we aim to bridge the gap between discovery and therapy. Ultimately, our work seeks to transform scientific insight into tangible treatments that can preserve sight and restore vision for millions worldwide.