Glaucoma, a disease that affects the inner retina and optic nerve, is a leading cause of incurable vision loss in humans and dogs. Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is the most common form of glaucoma in humans, and it also affects certain canine breeds, such as the beagle. While it is one of the leading causes for blindness, the precise disease mechanisms are poorly understood. Intraocular pressure—increased pressure within the eye—is a major risk factor for POAG and occurs because the outflow pathway for aqueous humor is not functioning properly. The Komáromy Laboratory, supported by a Shaffer Grant from the Glaucoma Research Foundations, is conducting research to evaluate the use of gene therapy to prevent or reverse the clogging of the drainage canals and maintain normal intraocular pressure in individuals with POAG.