Dorota Skowronska-Krawczyk, PhD, Awarded Grant from BrightFocus Foundation’s National Glaucoma Research Program

Irvine, Calif., May 14, 2025 – BrightFocus Foundation’s National Glaucoma Research program has awarded a two-year, $182,000 research grant to Dorota Skowronska-Krawczyk, PhD, an associate professor of physiology & biophysics and ophthalmology at the UC Irvine School of Medicine, to investigate the cumulative role of repeated intraocular pressure elevations in epigenetic reprogramming and aging.

A summary of Dr. Skowronska-Krawczyk’s project is below:

Aging, a process where damage accumulates in our cells over time, makes tissues more sensitive to elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). However, it is unknown how cells become more vulnerable as they age. Our experiments will explore how retinas respond to IOP-related stress and the mechanisms behind this vulnerability, aiming to find new ways to protect retinal neurons from glaucomatous changes.

Around 4 million U.S. adults have glaucoma—a leading cause of blindness in the U.S. caused by damage to the optic nerve. Because there are often no early symptoms, as many as half of those affected may not even know they have it until irreversible vision loss has occurred. Although there is no cure, early detection and treatments can help slow the disease’s progression.

“This year’s grant recipients represent some of the boldest, most promising investigators in vision and brain health research,” said BrightFocus President and CEO Stacy Pagos Haller. “Their groundbreaking work brings hope to millions around the world with these debilitating conditions.”

BrightFocus is currently funding 38 active glaucoma research grants worldwide, an investment of nearly $8 million in studies aimed at improving early detection and diagnosis, advancing treatment options, and uncovering the root causes of disease onset. These grants are highly competitive and awarded following a rigorous review process led by expert scientific advisory committees of leading researchers in the field.

“The support of foundations and individual donors plays a key role in my research,” says Skowronska-Krawczyk. “To all our supporters, thank you. Your generosity and belief in the importance of this work inspire us every day and allows us to keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in vision science.”

About BrightFocus Foundation

BrightFocus Foundation is a premier private nonprofit funder of early-stage research around the world to discover cures for diseases of mind and sight. Through its programs Alzheimer’s Disease Research, Macular Degeneration Research, and National Glaucoma Research, the Foundation has awarded more than $300 million in innovative research grants. Learn more at brightfocus.org.

About the UC Irvine School of Medicine

Each year, the UC Irvine School of Medicine educates more than 500 medical students and nearly 150 PhD and MS students. More than 750 residents and fellows are trained at the UCI Medical Center and affiliated institutions. The School of Medicine offers multiple MD, PhD and MS degrees, and students are encouraged to pursue an expansive range of interests and options. The UC Irvine School of Medicine is accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Accreditation and ranks among the top 50 nationwide for research. For more information, visit medschool.uci.edu.