Using New Retinal Imaging Technologies To Improve Treatment And Classification Of Diabetic Retinopathy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$227,644.00
Summary
Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in Australia. This project aims to use new ways of imaging changes in the back of the eye to try to improve the treatment and diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy.
Investigating The Mechanisms Underpinning The Dynamic Vessel Response In People With Diabetic Retinopathy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$18,808.00
Summary
Endothelial dysfunction has been well-hypothesised as one of the key players in the pathogenesis of DR. However, there is strong evidence suggesting a neurovascular coupling mechanism in the retinal circulation during flicker. It is therefore unclear whether reduced flicker light induced vasodilation observed in diabetes and DR is associated with endothelial dysfunction, an impairment of neurovascular coupling or both. This project aims to address this important knowledge gap.
Non-invasive Therapy For Keratoconus – Ultrasound Enhanced Delivery Of Riboflavin To Cornea For Transepithelial Corneal Collagen Crosslinking
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$600,658.00
Summary
Keratoconus is a degenerative eye disease which causes corneal thinning. The disease causes visual distortions & loss of vision, and is commonly treated with Corneal Cross-Linking. This involves scraping off the outer protective layer of the cornea so that treatment can be applied. This is painful for patients and carries many risks. This grant assists in the development of a device that is able to deliver the reagent in a painless, non-invasive, effective and safe way.
A Telephone And SMS Intervention To Promote Screening For Diabetic Retinopathy In People With Diabetes In Australia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$28,796.00
Summary
One in two people with diabetes in Australia do not receive adequate screening or follow-up for diabetic retinopathy, a leading complication of diabetes and cause of vision loss and blindness. To tackle this issue, a new Australian study will evaluate a new telephone intervention designed to inform people with diabetes about diabetic retinopathy screening. This intervention is expected to improve future adherence to national screening guidelines for diabetic retinopathy.
An Investigation Into The Importance Of Potable Water As A Source Of Melioidosis In Northern Australia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$362,036.00
Summary
Melioidosis is a potentially fatal infection that occurs throughout the Top End. Infection usually sets in after exposure to contaminated soil or surface water. A recent outbreak of melioidosis in which three of seven cases died was traced to the community's drinking water supply. Subsequent improvements to the community's drinking water treatment appear to have brought the outbreak under control. However, the ability of the bacteria responsible for this infection to survive within the body for ....Melioidosis is a potentially fatal infection that occurs throughout the Top End. Infection usually sets in after exposure to contaminated soil or surface water. A recent outbreak of melioidosis in which three of seven cases died was traced to the community's drinking water supply. Subsequent improvements to the community's drinking water treatment appear to have brought the outbreak under control. However, the ability of the bacteria responsible for this infection to survive within the body for many years before causing late onset infection means that further cases may be recorded in the affected community for years to come. This project aims to assess whether the drinking water supply to other rural communities presents a risk of melioidosis throughout the Top End. Drinking water supplies will be tested for the presence of the bacteria that cause melioidosis. Genetic fingerprinting will be used to compare each strain isolated from water specimens with strains obtained from infections previously diagnosed in hospitals throughout the Top End. This will involve the combined efforts of researchers in Western Australia, the Northern Territory and Queensland. Comparison of these results with standard measures of drinking water quality will enable the research team to work out whether any routinely performed tests can be used as a guide to melioidosis risk. The team will also examine whether any geographical features such as deep water supply or the type of vegetation present can be used to assess melioidosis risk. A clearer picture of melioidosis risk will make it easier to target the delivery of preventive methods such as chlorination or alternatives to specific water supplies. Preliminary studies in Western Australia suggest that primary prevention of melioidosis may be possible. We need to see how widely those findings apply. It is hoped that this work will lead to a significant reduction in the risk of contracting this disease throughout the endemic region.Read moreRead less
Mapping The Dynamics Of Corneal Stem Cell During Aging And After Wounding And Transplantation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$548,403.00
Summary
Restoring vision in patients with corneal blindness is our focus. Before this can be achieved we need to understand how corneal stem cells function. For many reasons these studies cannot be performed in man, so we engineered a mouse in which the location, migration, division, differentiation, death of these cells can be followed indefinitely. This information will allow us to improve current therapeutic options and develop new clinical solution for patients with blinding corneal disease.
Understanding Changes In Retinal Ganglion Cells Using A Glaucoma Model
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$88,193.00
Summary
Glaucoma is a pressure related eye disease that is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide. The mechanisms by which glaucoma causes vision loss are poorly understood. At the Centre for Eye Research Australia, we aim to investigate changes within retinal ganglion cells – the neurons which carry light signal from the eye to the brain – using a glaucoma model. We hope to improve understanding of the disease process and highlight new therapeutic options for glaucoma.
A Nanosecond Laser Based Surgical Treatment To Prevent Progression To Vision Loss In Early Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$813,481.00
Summary
We aim to conduct a trial of a new nano-laser based treatment for Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) which, if successful in slowing progression of AMD, will lead to a dramatic reduction in vision loss in our community. AMD is the leading cause of irreversible vision loss in people 50 years and older in Australia. The successful outcome will postpone vision loss, benefiting many thousands of Australians, and result in substantial healthcare savings.
I am an epidemiologist, primarily interested in the study and quantitative assessment of the environment-health relationship. Specifically, my current research focuses on development of innovative methods to assess the impact of ecosystem change (eg, clim
Gene-environment Interactions In The Aetiology Of Myopia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$671,285.00
Summary
The rapid rise in the prevalence of shortsightedness poses a major public health challenge. The Sydney Myopia Study has collected a large database on environmental risk factors, and has documented a major protective effect of children spending more time outdoors. Other studies suggest that myopia has a major genetic component. This study will collect DNA samples from over 4000 participants in the Sydney Myopia Study, and through genome-wide scanning, will look for gene-environment interactions.