Preventing Blindness: Blocking TGF¤-induced EMT And Cataract Development
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$343,824.00
Summary
Cataract, the loss of transparency of the eye lens, is a major cause of blindness. We have identified molecules in the lens important for maintenance of its transparency and plan to characterise their effectiveness in preventing cataract formation.
Most diseases are much more common in the elderly. The reasons are poorly understood. We have evidence that the most common eye diseases, cataract and presbyopia, are due to the fact that the large molecules that make up the lens do not turnover. In lenses of older people proteins, which make up the bulk of the transparent tissue, become degraded. It turns out that very long lived proteins are quite common in the body. This proposal seeks to determine what role degradation of these ancient prote ....Most diseases are much more common in the elderly. The reasons are poorly understood. We have evidence that the most common eye diseases, cataract and presbyopia, are due to the fact that the large molecules that make up the lens do not turnover. In lenses of older people proteins, which make up the bulk of the transparent tissue, become degraded. It turns out that very long lived proteins are quite common in the body. This proposal seeks to determine what role degradation of these ancient proteins has in other diseases of aging.Read moreRead less
Age Related Changes In The Optics Of Adult Human Eyes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$199,437.00
Summary
Vision is limited by both optical and retinal-neural factors. Our understanding of the optical structure of the human eye is limited, partcularly for the refractive index gradient of the lens, let alone how these change with age. This understanding is needed if we are to accurately predict or assess the long-term effects of refractive surgical procedures or ophthalmic prostheses on vision. In this project, we aim to substantially improve our understanding of the optical properties of the eye by ....Vision is limited by both optical and retinal-neural factors. Our understanding of the optical structure of the human eye is limited, partcularly for the refractive index gradient of the lens, let alone how these change with age. This understanding is needed if we are to accurately predict or assess the long-term effects of refractive surgical procedures or ophthalmic prostheses on vision. In this project, we aim to substantially improve our understanding of the optical properties of the eye by 1) developing methods for measuring these quantities and then applying the methods to investigate how these properties vary with age and focussing, and 2) determine the optical contribution to reduction in visual performance with increasing age. Our research will be used to determine norms for growth and aging patterns in the normal human eye, particularly the lens. It will yield significant outcomes through 1. determination of the long-term success of custom refractive surgery aimed at improving vision by eliminating the ocular aberrations, and 2. indicating the potential improvement in ocular performance provided by artificial intraocular lenses or any other type of correction.Read moreRead less