Novel Ophthalmic Topical Formulation Targeting Molecular Pathogenesis Of Corneal Haze
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$296,090.00
Summary
Presently, no drugs are proven to cure corneal haze/scarring, major leading cause of global blindness. Haze is caused by eye trauma, infections or refractive laser surgeries. We aim to test a non toxic, novel ophthalmic topical formulation developed to act on molecular and cellular targets of haze formation. The successful completion of the study will determine formulation’s optimal dose, safety and efficacy for its future potential clinical use in reversing corneal scarring/haze without side ef ....Presently, no drugs are proven to cure corneal haze/scarring, major leading cause of global blindness. Haze is caused by eye trauma, infections or refractive laser surgeries. We aim to test a non toxic, novel ophthalmic topical formulation developed to act on molecular and cellular targets of haze formation. The successful completion of the study will determine formulation’s optimal dose, safety and efficacy for its future potential clinical use in reversing corneal scarring/haze without side effects.Read moreRead less
THE ROLE OF MONOCYTIC LINEAGE CELLS IN MODELS OF CORNEAL DISEASE
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$311,567.00
Summary
Vision relies on sharp, focused undistorted images passing through the cornea, the clear 'window' at the front of the eye. Corneal disease causes over 5 million cases of blindness worldwide. In patients who damage the delicate covering of the cornea, due to trauma or contact lens wear, there is an increased risk of infection that may lead to blindness. This project will study the ways in which immune cells in the cornea detect invasion by potential pathogens.
Toxoplasma Gondii Infection Of Human Retinal Pigment Epithelium
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$460,668.00
Summary
Ocular toxoplasmosis is a vision-threatening parasitic eye infection that is common in Australia and worldwide. No treatment cures the disease. This work will characterize cellular and molecular events occuring in the eye during an infection, which is an important first step toward the development of more effective treatments for patients with the condition.
Investigations Into The Aetiology Of Giant Cell Arteritis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$165,067.00
Summary
Despite much research the precise pathoetiology of giant cell arteritis is poorly understood. Both environmental and genetic factors are thought to contribute to disease development. Though to date, no overriding mechanism for disease development has been identified. This research will apply modern molecular techniques to further explore the pathogenic processes in this devastating disease which in turn will hopefully provide insight into novel treatment modalities.
Pterygia, one of the most common ocular complaints in Australia and worldwide, are thought to originate from overexposure to UV light. We propose that UV-irradiation stimulate certain cells in the eye to produce cytokines, growth factors and enzymes which degrade scaffold proteins such as collagens. These enzymes may play a key role in the progressive and invasive nature of pterygia. Dissecting the mechanism(s) by which UV light induces these proteins will lead to new and more reliable therapies ....Pterygia, one of the most common ocular complaints in Australia and worldwide, are thought to originate from overexposure to UV light. We propose that UV-irradiation stimulate certain cells in the eye to produce cytokines, growth factors and enzymes which degrade scaffold proteins such as collagens. These enzymes may play a key role in the progressive and invasive nature of pterygia. Dissecting the mechanism(s) by which UV light induces these proteins will lead to new and more reliable therapies for the treatment of pterygia.Read moreRead less
Development Of A Novel Bioengineered Tissue Construct For Repairing The Eye.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$335,817.00
Summary
Corneal diseases are often treated using donor tissue transplants. Nevertheless, donor tissue is unsuitable for treating the peripheral or limbal margin of the cornea. We have therefore developed a way to transplant sheets of limbal tissue (epithelium) grown in the laboratory from a patient's own cells, but this tissue lacks a foundation of connective tissue that we believe is essential for sustained healing. Thus, our aim is to develop a novel limbal transplant which contains both layers.
Dissecting The Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome With Complementary Genetic, Proteomic And Biophysical Strategies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$490,352.00
Summary
Pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEX) is an eye condition in which flaky material deposits in the eye, greatly increasing the risk of cataract and glaucoma which can lead to blindness. PEX is also associated with heart disease, strokes and aneurysms. Cataract surgery in PEX patients has a higher rate of complications. In this project we will determine the nature of PEX material and why it forms. This knowlege will facilitate better diagnosis and treatment of PEX preventing associated blindness.
A Glint Or A Squint Should Make You Think! A Randomised, Controlled Study To Determine The Impact Of An Eye-health Awareness Program For New Parents
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$95,348.00
Summary
Retinoblastoma (RB) is a rare, blinding and sometimes fatal, childhood eye cancer. The earliest diagnosis affords the child the best prognosis for retaining their sight, eye or their life. This project will examine parents’ current understanding of the symptoms and signs for RB, identify barriers to early diagnosis of RB, and to develop, implement and evaluate a sustainable public health awareness program to potentially improve the timing of diagnosis and subsequent outcomes for this disease.