Research

• Enhancing Dry Eye Care with Artificial Intelligence

  Leveraging Artificial Intelligence to Revolutionize Dry Eye Diagnosis and Treatment

  Our project aims to leverage the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the diagnosis and treatment of patients with dry eye disease. By utilizing advanced machine learning algorithms and data analysis techniques, we seek to develop an intelligent system that can learn from vast amounts of patient data, including clinical information, imaging results, and patient-reported symptoms.

  The first phase of our project involves building a comprehensive database of patient information, including demographic data, medical history, environmental factors, and various diagnostic test results. This rich dataset serves as the foundation for training our AI models. Through an iterative process, the AI system learns to recognize patterns and correlations within the data, enabling it to make accurate predictions and classifications related to dry eye disease.

  In the diagnosis phase, our AI model will analyze a combination of patient-reported symptoms, clinical assessments, and test results to provide a more precise and personalized diagnosis of dry eye disease. The AI system can identify subtle indicators and factors that may contribute to the condition, enabling early detection and intervention. This improved diagnostic accuracy leads to more targeted treatment approaches and better management of the disease.

  The second phase of our project focuses on treatment optimization. By continuously learning from patient outcomes, treatment responses, and real-time data, the AI system adapts and refines its recommendations over time. It can identify trends, treatment efficacy patterns, and individual patient characteristics to guide clinicians in selecting the most effective treatment strategies for each patient. This personalized approach helps to improve patient outcomes, enhance treatment adherence, and streamline the management of dry eye disease.

  In summary, our project harnesses the capabilities of AI to revolutionize the diagnosis and treatment of patients with dry eye disease. By integrating patient data, machine learning algorithms, and real-time feedback, we aim to create a dynamic and intelligent system that continually learns, adapts, and improves the care provided to our patients, ultimately leading to more accurate diagnoses, personalized treatment plans, and better overall management of dry eye disease.

• Exploring Innovative Therapies for Ocular Surface Diseases

  Unraveling the Potential of Anti-Inflammasome Therapies in Dry Eye Disease

  Our project focuses on unraveling the role of innate immunity in dry eye disease and developing innovative therapies to mitigate inflammasome activation, thus preventing the detrimental effects on the cornea and ocular surface. By comprehensively studying the underlying mechanisms and pathways involved in the immune response, we aim to identify key targets that can be modulated to alleviate the signs and symptoms experienced by patients with dry eye disease.

  Through extensive research and experimentation, we investigate the intricate interactions between the innate immune system and the ocular surface in dry eye disease. This includes analyzing the activation and regulation of inflammasomes, which are key components of the innate immune response, and their impact on corneal damage. By understanding the molecular pathways and signaling cascades involved, we can identify novel therapeutic approaches to intervene at specific stages of inflammasome activation and dampen the inflammatory response.

  Building upon this knowledge, we are developing targeted therapies that specifically modulate the innate immune response in dry eye disease. Our aim is to develop interventions that prevent inflammasome activation, reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and promote ocular surface homeostasis. By mitigating inflammation and preserving the integrity of the cornea and ocular surface, we envision improved patient outcomes, including alleviation of symptoms such as dryness, redness, and discomfort, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for individuals affected by dry eye disease.

  In summary, our project delves into the understanding of innate immunity in dry eye disease and aims to develop innovative therapies that can mitigate inflammasome activation and prevent the deleterious effects on the cornea and ocular surface. By targeting specific pathways involved in the immune response, we strive to improve patient signs and symptoms, providing relief and enhancing the overall well-being of individuals with dry eye disease.

  Harnessing the Power of Biological Therapies for Ocular Surface Disease Management

  Our project is dedicated to developing advanced biological therapies, including blood-derived serum and plasma eye drops, as well as gene therapy treatments, to address the complex needs of patients with ocular surface diseases. These diseases encompass a wide range of conditions, such as severe dry eye, ocular surface disorders, and corneal dystrophies, which often pose significant challenges in terms of management and treatment.

  One aspect of our research focuses on the development of blood-derived serum and plasma eye drops. These formulations harness the healing and regenerative properties of blood components, including growth factors and cytokines, to provide targeted relief and promote the restoration of the ocular surface. By customizing these eye drops to each patient's specific needs, we aim to address the complexities of individual cases and optimize treatment outcomes. The goal is to improve tear film stability, alleviate symptoms, and enhance corneal healing, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for patients with complex ocular surface diseases.

  Additionally, our project explores the potential of gene therapy treatments for managing these conditions. By leveraging gene delivery techniques and gene editing technologies, we aim to target specific genes or molecular pathways involved in the disease pathogenesis. This approach holds promise in correcting underlying genetic defects, modulating inflammatory responses, and promoting tissue regeneration on a molecular level. By developing personalized gene therapy treatments, we aim to provide effective and long-lasting solutions for patients with complex ocular surface diseases.

  In summary, our project focuses on developing biological therapies, including blood-derived serum and plasma eye drops, as well as gene therapy treatments, to manage patients with complex ocular surface diseases. Through these innovative approaches, we aim to alleviate symptoms, enhance corneal healing, and provide personalized care that addresses the unique challenges of each patient's condition.

• Advancements in Corneal Endothelial Transplantation

  Streamlining Corneal Endothelial Transplantation with a Novel Surgical Injector Kit

  Our project is dedicated to the development of a novel injector and endothelial graft transportation kit that aims to revolutionize the surgical manipulation of tissue and enhance surgical outcomes in procedures involving corneal endothelial transplantation. The current surgical techniques for such procedures can be complex and challenging, requiring delicate handling and precise placement of the graft. Therefore, our project aims to simplify these procedures by introducing an innovative injector system and a comprehensive graft transportation kit.

  The new injector system we are developing will provide controlled and precise delivery of the endothelial graft into the eye, ensuring accurate placement and minimizing the risk of damage or displacement. By incorporating advanced engineering and design principles, we aim to create an ergonomic and user-friendly device that simplifies the surgical process for the ophthalmic surgeon. The injector will be designed to facilitate smooth and controlled insertion of the graft, optimizing the surgical manipulation of the tissue and enhancing surgical precision.

  Additionally, our project includes the development of a comprehensive graft transportation kit that will support the safe and efficient handling of endothelial grafts from the donor to the recipient site. This kit will encompass specialized containers, preservation solutions, and protective elements to maintain the viability and integrity of the graft during transportation. By providing a standardized and optimized system for graft transportation, we aim to minimize the risk of graft damage, improve graft quality, and enhance overall surgical outcomes.

  In summary, our project focuses on the development of a new injector and endothelial graft transportation kit that aims to simplify the surgical manipulation of tissue and improve surgical outcomes in corneal endothelial transplantation. Through the introduction of innovative technologies and comprehensive support systems, we strive to enhance surgical precision, minimize graft damage, and ultimately improve the success rates and visual outcomes for patients undergoing these procedures.

  Enhancing Tissue Quality with Platelet-Rich Plasma in Corneal Transplantation

  Our project focuses on the development of a new therapy that utilizes platelet-rich plasma (PRP) intraoperatively to protect and enhance the quality of corneal grafts during corneal transplantation. In addition to our laboratory research, we are currently conducting a clinical study at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of intraoperative PRP application during corneal transplantation procedures in a cohort of patients with corneal endothelial dysfunction. By assessing patient outcomes, corneal endothelial cell density, and graft survival rates, we aim to gather valuable clinical data to support the effectiveness of PRP therapy in improving surgical outcomes and long-term graft survival.

  By developing this innovative therapy and conducting comprehensive studies, we aim to provide a promising solution for enhancing the quality and survival of corneal grafts during transplantation. This advancement has the potential to improve the success rates of corneal transplantation procedures, benefiting patients with corneal conditions and contributing to the advancement of ocular surface treatments at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute and beyond.

  Engineering the Future of Corneal Endothelial Grafts

  Our project focuses on the development of a groundbreaking tissue-engineered therapy aimed at generating ultra-high density corneal endothelial cell grafts. To achieve this, we are employing a bio-compatible and bio-degradable human-derived carrier as a scaffold for cell growth and tissue regeneration. This innovative approach holds great promise for addressing the shortage of corneal donors and improving the outcomes of corneal transplantation procedures.

  By utilizing a bio-compatible and bio-degradable human-derived carrier, we provide an ideal environment for corneal endothelial cells to proliferate and form densely packed grafts. The carrier acts as a supportive structure that allows for the organized growth and maturation of the cells, leading to the development of highly functional corneal endothelial grafts. This tissue-engineered therapy has the potential to overcome the limitations of conventional transplantation techniques by offering a renewable and scalable source of corneal grafts, thereby expanding the availability of suitable grafts for patients in need.

  Through rigorous research and experimentation, we are optimizing the techniques for cell seeding, scaffold fabrication, and graft maturation to ensure the generation of ultra-high density corneal endothelial cell grafts. By combining tissue engineering principles, advanced biomaterials, and human-derived carriers, our project aims to revolutionize the field of corneal transplantation and provide a reliable and sustainable solution for patients with corneal endothelial dysfunction.

• Advancing Corneal Graft Tissue Preservation Techniques

  Dual-Chamber Vial for Optimal Corneal Tissue Preservation

  Our project represents a significant advancement in corneal graft preservation through the development of a dual-chamber vial. This innovative vial design provides separate compartments for preserving the corneal epithelial and endothelial layers, allowing for tailored preservation media for each layer. By creating a customized environment for each layer, we expect to optimize graft survival and improve the outcomes of corneal transplantation procedures.

  The dual-chamber vial offers distinct advantages over traditional preservation methods by enabling the creation of specific media compositions for the corneal epithelium and endothelium. Each compartment of the vial contains a specialized preservation solution tailored to the unique requirements of the corresponding corneal layer. This customized approach ensures that each layer receives the appropriate nutrients, growth factors, and protective agents, enhancing graft viability and optimizing the overall outcomes of corneal transplantation.

  Our project not only focuses on the development of the dual-chamber vial but also explores the formulation and optimization of the preservation media for each corneal layer. Through extensive research and experimentation, we aim to identify the ideal composition of the preservation media to maintain the viability and function of each corneal layer during storage. This customized approach has the potential to significantly improve the quality and success rates of corneal transplantation, offering new possibilities for restoring vision and enhancing patient outcomes.

  Revolutionizing Corneal Tissue Preservation with a Live Chamber

  Our project represents a groundbreaking development in corneal tissue preservation using the dual-chamber vial platform. The system we have developed within the dual-chamber vial platform allows for precise control of intraocular pressure and the continuous delivery of essential nutrients to the preserved corneal tissue. This closely mimics the natural environment of the eye, maintaining tissue viability and functionality. By optimizing these parameters, we can achieve longer preservation times while preserving the integrity and health of the corneal tissue. Furthermore, this system provides a valuable tool for conducting drug and toxicology studies, as it allows researchers to assess the effects of various compounds and substances on corneal tissue without the need for animal models. This approach contributes to reducing the reliance on animal experimentation and provides a more scientifically advanced platform for testing and research in the field of ocular medicine.

  In summary, our project utilizing the dual-chamber vial platform has led to the development of a system that simulates intraocular pressure and provides a continuous flow of nutrients to preserve corneal tissue ex vivo. This innovative approach significantly improves the quality and storage time of preserved tissue and enables in vitro drug and toxicology studies, offering a more efficient alternative to animal experimentation. This breakthrough has the potential to advance the field of corneal transplantation, research, and testing, ultimately benefiting patients, animals, and scientific progress.