Research Topics
Ocular Blood Flow Reduction in Veterans with Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Our research has revealed that Veterans experiencing dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) exhibit significant and widespread reductions in ocular blood flow, even in areas outside the macula. This discovery is crucial because decreased blood flow has been identified as a potentially modifiable risk factor for vision loss in AMD. This work by Edward F. Linton MD, with mentors Elliott H. Sohn MD and Randy Kardon MD PhD, could pave the way for new treatments for AMD, a leading cause of vision loss in older Veterans.
Automated Method for Quantifying Eye Misalignment in Veterans with Double Vision
We have developed a novel automated method for precisely measuring eye movements and misalignments in Veterans experiencing strabismus and diplopia (double vision). This technology utilizes a head-mounted virtual reality device integrated with artificial intelligence to record eye movements across nine cardinal gaze positions, facilitating personalized diagnosis and treatment planning. This advancement, spearheaded by Randy H. Kardon MD PhD and Alina V. Dumitrescu MD, is particularly impactful as it addresses a severe shortage of strabismus specialists within the VA system, enabling faster and more accurate diagnoses for Veterans.
New Eye Test for Early Detection of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
Our investigators have developed an innovative eye test that can detect early signs of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. The research demonstrates that the blink response to a 5% NaCl eyedrop is significantly reduced in individuals with diabetes who have peripheral neuropathy with loss of corneal sensation. Corneal nerves are often among the first sensory nerves to be affected by diabetes. This work, led by Mark A. Yorek PhD and Randy H. Kardon MD PhD, offers a promising non-invasive method for early detection, which could enable earlier interventions and monitoring to prevent the progression of severe diabetic complications.
Stem Cell Therapy for Glaucoma Using Magnetic Steering
Markus H. Kuehn PhD has pioneered the use of superparamagnetic iron-oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) to precisely guide stem cells to the trabecular meshwork, a critical area for regulating intraocular pressure in glaucoma. This magnetic steering technique dramatically reduces the number of cells required for treatment, enhancing safety and minimizing off-target effects. This groundbreaking approach holds the potential to restore natural intraocular pressure control in glaucoma patients, thereby reducing their reliance on daily medications.
Thalamocortical Circuit Research for Headache Treatment
Our team is investigating the complex brain circuits involved in post-traumatic headache and migraine, conditions that disproportionately affect Veterans. This research, led by Levi P. Sowers PhD, Andrew F. Russo PhD, Randy Kardon MD PhD and Pieter Poolman PhD is developing objective measures for headache symptoms using automated facial grimace and squinting analysis in response to light. The findings are crucial for understanding the underlying mechanisms of these debilitating conditions and could lead to targeted treatments based on circuit-specific interventions, offering significant relief for Veterans with TBI-related headaches. In addition, Dr. Sowers has recently discovered cerebellar circuits that modulate migraine.
Visual Biomarkers for Early Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Detection
We are utilizing advanced Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) texture analysis combined with deep learning algorithms to detect early neural damage in traumatic brain injury. This innovative approach aims to identify TBI-related damage reflected in the retina before clinical symptoms become overtly apparent. This research, conducted by Matthew M. Harper PhD, Randy H. Kardon MD PhD and Mona K. Garvin PhD, is vital for enabling earlier rehabilitation interventions and improving long-term outcomes for Veterans affected by TBI.
These key impacts represent significant progress in our efforts to prevent and treat visual loss, with a direct focus on improving the health and quality of life for our Veterans.
