A Novel Mesenchymal Stromal Cell And Biomaterial For Corneal Reconstruction
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$508,611.00
Summary
Our research group has identified a new cell type (L-MSC) with the potential to treat a variety of eye diseases. We have also developed a novel material from a protein found in silk, that has potential as a vehicle for delivering healthy cells into diseased eyes. The present project will build upon these promising results by evaluating the properties of L-MSC necessary for clinical use and by testing the feasibility of our new cell delivery system.
The goal of this research is to improve outcomes for people at risk of becoming blind or visually impaired. The focus is on those who require a corneal transplant, or who suffer from inflammatory eye disease or painful disease of the ocular surface, on neonates with retinopathy of prematurity, or those with the eye disease, keratoconus. We will investigate new treatment options for eye diseases and will examine the evidence for the success of surgical and other therapeutic interventions.
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.
The cornea is essential for vision. Corneal blindness affects all ages, and is often irreversible. Infection of the cornea is a significant cause of corneal blindness. Despite the development of wide-spectrum antibiotics, corneal infections are on the rise. The aim of this project is to provide up-to-date information on the range of bacteria causing corneal infections, their antibiotic sensitivities, and antibiotic prescribing patterns by the ophthalmic profession.
Eye Banks, Exports, And Australian Opinion: Exploring National Utility Of Human Corneal Tissue Donation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$111,973.00
Summary
Human corneal tissue donations from the deceased can outstrip the demand of eye tissue from ophthalmologists to perform a corneal transplantation, a surgical procedure to treat blindness. This research will determine the quantity of surplus eye tissue, and community understanding of donation and support for exportation. This will help the sector with decision-making on management of oversupply and potential exporte to other countries in need.
Cultivated Corneal Endothelial Cell Implants For Restoring Vision
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$886,032.00
Summary
Thousands of Australians each year receive a corneal tissue transplant from the eyes of a deceased organ donor. In the majority of cases these transplants are performed to restore structure and function to the most posterior layer of the cornea – the corneal endothelium. The reliance upon donor tissue, however, presents significant logistical and safety issues. Our goal is therefore to develop improved strategies for treating diseases of the corneal endothelium using cultivated tissue implants.
Development Of An Ocular Adhesive Film With Local Drug Delivery To Prevent Infection And Inflammation In Corneal Wounds.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$370,915.00
Summary
Corneal wounds and surgery are often accompanied by topical treatments to prevent infection and inflammation. The project will provide an innovative solution with a versatile, easy-to-use device that seals wounds without stitches while delivering the necessary drugs directly to the wound site. This versatile technology will prevent infection and inflammation, provide relief and encourage wound healing. It will be a world's first that will save treatment costs, reduce pain and save sight.
Application Of Novel Sutureless Technology For Eye Surgery
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$342,623.00
Summary
Corneal disease and trauma are major causes of blindness. Corneal trauma requires surgical repair and vision lost from disease may be restored with corneal transplantation. In both cases sutures are used and can have significant complications. Application of a new surgical adhesive for cost-effective, quick and easy corneal surgery with enhanced wound healing is an innovative solution to a major problem in public health with manifold implications in the field of eye surgery
Therapeutics For Repair And Regeneration Of The Cornea
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$166,087.00
Summary
Corneal disease is the commonest cause of irreversible blindness and of the 50 million people world-wide who are bilaterally blind, 10 million are blind from corneal involvement. This proposal will address corneal disease by 1. innovative translational research for corneal repair and regeneration; 2. developing evidence-based management guidelines for corneal disease, and 3. by optimising health service delivery.
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).