Carl B. Camras
Encyclopedia
Carl B. Camras was an American ophthalmologist known for his research on the treatment of glaucoma
. He discovered a new class of drugs to treat glaucoma—prostaglandin analogue
s. Specifically, he developed latanoprost
sold under the trade name Xalatan, which is the most widely used glaucoma medication.
who held over 550 patents. His father invented magnetic recording which was later used on VCR tapes and computer disks.
who agreed to work with him on the project.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is an eye disorder in which the optic nerve suffers damage, permanently damaging vision in the affected eye and progressing to complete blindness if untreated. It is often, but not always, associated with increased pressure of the fluid in the eye...
. He discovered a new class of drugs to treat glaucoma—prostaglandin analogue
Prostaglandin analogue
Synthetic prostaglandin analogues are molecules which are manufactured to bind to a prostaglandin receptor.Wider use of prostaglandin analogues is limited by unwanted side effects and their abortive potential.-Uses:...
s. Specifically, he developed latanoprost
Latanoprost
Latanoprost ophthalmic solution is a topical medication used for controlling the progression of glaucoma or ocular hypertension by reducing intraocular pressure...
sold under the trade name Xalatan, which is the most widely used glaucoma medication.
Biography
Carl Camras grew up in Chicago, Illinois. He was the son of the engineer and inventor Marvin CamrasMarvin Camras
Marvin Camras was an electrical engineer and inventor who was widely influential in the field of magnetic recording.Camras built his first recording device, a wire recorder, in the 1930s for a cousin who was an aspiring singer...
who held over 550 patents. His father invented magnetic recording which was later used on VCR tapes and computer disks.
Undergraduate work
As a molecular biophysics and biochemistry major at Yale University, Dr. Camras first conceived the idea that low doses of prostaglandins could be effective in lowering intraocular pressure in glaucoma.Medical school
In medical school at Columbia University, Dr. Camras sought out a research adviser who would work with him on his project. After many rejections, he partnered with a renowned researcher-novelist Dr. László Z. BitóLaszlo Z. Bito
László Z. Bitó is a physiologist and a writer. As a researcher he has developed a medicine for glaucoma. As a writer he writes novels and essays.-Biography:...
who agreed to work with him on the project.