High Spatial Resolution Dosimetry For Radioactive Plaques Used For Radiotherapy Of Eye Lesions
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$357,294.00
Summary
Melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma are the commonest ocular malignancies in adults. While plaque brachytherapy has delivered advances in ocular cancer management, significant challenges remain. These include post-treatment vision loss (due to over irradiation of vital structures, e.g. optic nerve), treatment failure (~10%) and an inability to treat large tumours (>8mm thick). This project aims to address these challenges through rigorous quality assurance and enhanced dosimetry planning.
The Impact Of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Biofilm On Eye Infection And The Development Of Antimicrobial Contact Lenses
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$328,932.00
Summary
Worldwide, 125 million people correct their vision through the use of contact lenses. Contact lens use predisposes the wearer to sight threatening eye infections. Despite advanced material technology and improved hygiene regimens, the rate of contact lens-related infectious disease has remained constant. This research aims to elucidate how bacteria compromise the ocular immune system in order to develop preventative/therapeutic strategies to combat ocular infections.
Do Activated Retinal Microglia Mediate Neurotoxicity In Background Diabetic Retinopathy?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$435,589.00
Summary
Diabetic retinopathy, a frequent complication of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, is the commonest cause of blindness in working age individuals. Prior to the growth of blindness-causing new vessels in the eye we now know that there is a gradual loss of neurons in the retina. This project will investigate whether the resident immune cells in the retina, which are normally neuroprotective, become neurotoxic during episodes of systemic inflammation (e.g. bacterial or viral infections).
Early Detection Of Alzheimer's Disease Using Ocular Biomarkers
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$602,502.00
Summary
Curcumin fluorescence imaging of the retina will be tested for quantification of retinal amyloid plaque burden and rate of change. This will be compared to AD disease status, brain plaque burden and other markers to evaluate retinal imaging as an early test for AD.