Identifying tear lipids, their deposition onto contact lenses and their role in the development of dry eye. Lipids provide a critical layer in the human tear film that retards evaporation and helps nourish and protect the eye. We will identify the molecules within this essential "oil slick" to better understand dry eye syndrome and the discomfort associated with wearing contact lenses. This may lead to new treatments for dry eye and novel technologies that provide greater comfort for the ~120,00 ....Identifying tear lipids, their deposition onto contact lenses and their role in the development of dry eye. Lipids provide a critical layer in the human tear film that retards evaporation and helps nourish and protect the eye. We will identify the molecules within this essential "oil slick" to better understand dry eye syndrome and the discomfort associated with wearing contact lenses. This may lead to new treatments for dry eye and novel technologies that provide greater comfort for the ~120,000 Australians who wear contact lenses. This collaborative research directly supports the mission of a respected non-profit organisation (Institute for Eye Research) and will train scientists in world-leading analytical technologies that are essential to Australia's emerging biotechnology industries.Read moreRead less
Properties Of Human Photoreceptors Measured Using A Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscope To Illuminate And Image The Retina
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$352,000.00
Summary
Vision begins with the detection of light by the rod and cone photoreceptors in the retina lining the interior of the eye. Although much is already known about the way that light is detected and the signals are processed, a great deal remains to be learned. Some of the outstanding questions could be answered using modifications to a relatively new instrument called a scanning laser ophthalmoscope (SLO) which provides images of the interior of the eye. The aims of this project are to develop a mo ....Vision begins with the detection of light by the rod and cone photoreceptors in the retina lining the interior of the eye. Although much is already known about the way that light is detected and the signals are processed, a great deal remains to be learned. Some of the outstanding questions could be answered using modifications to a relatively new instrument called a scanning laser ophthalmoscope (SLO) which provides images of the interior of the eye. The aims of this project are to develop a modified SLO, which is able to measure the levels of visual pigment (rhodopsin) in the living eye, which is also able to deliver visual stimuli to the eye, and which finally is extended to use adaptive optics so that it can image and excite individual cone photoreceptors. Using this device, we will be able to measure the regeneration of visual pigment following exposures to intense illumination, to help explain the slow recovery of visual sensitivity after intense light. We will also be able to measure the electroretinogram (ERG) from localized retinal areas, to investigate how the properties of the photoreceptor cells vary across the retina. And finally we will be able not only to visualize the individual tiny cone photoreceptors, but also to stimulate them selectively, so that we can determine the responses of the different classes of cone (red-, green-, and blue-sensitive cones) in the living human eye.Read moreRead less
Design and Analysis of Optimal Algorithms for Automated Perimetry. Australian demographic studies reveal that visual impairment contributes significantly to disability in the elderly. Glaucoma, the second leading cause of blindness in developed nations, may be slowed if detected early, however recent studies estimate 50% of Australians with glaucoma are undiagnosed. Automated perimetry is used to detect and track such vision loss, but perimetry algorithms perform poorly. This project will design ....Design and Analysis of Optimal Algorithms for Automated Perimetry. Australian demographic studies reveal that visual impairment contributes significantly to disability in the elderly. Glaucoma, the second leading cause of blindness in developed nations, may be slowed if detected early, however recent studies estimate 50% of Australians with glaucoma are undiagnosed. Automated perimetry is used to detect and track such vision loss, but perimetry algorithms perform poorly. This project will design and analyse new algorithms with superior accuracy and efficiency, improving detection and monitoring of vision loss. Enhanced tools for community vision screening will also result, crucial for the ARC's priority goals of ?ageing well, ageing productively? and ?preventative healthcare?Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE120101434
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$375,000.00
Summary
The role of outdoor activity in myopia development. It has recently been found that spending more time outdoors may reduce the risk of developing short sightedness. This project will examine the underlying basis of these associations and improve understanding of environmental factors involved in the cause of short sightedness, an eye problem that is a major cause of vision impairment globally.
A comparative study of the laser-tissue interaction between solid state 213nm vs excimer gas 193nm laser systems. We will carry out a comparative study of the latest technological developments in laser vision correction surgery. We will compare the biological effects of a new solid state laser operating at 213nm and a traditional excimer gas laser operating at 193nm. For each laser type, long-term scarring, cytotoxicity, mutagenicity and free radical production will be studied in relevant in viv ....A comparative study of the laser-tissue interaction between solid state 213nm vs excimer gas 193nm laser systems. We will carry out a comparative study of the latest technological developments in laser vision correction surgery. We will compare the biological effects of a new solid state laser operating at 213nm and a traditional excimer gas laser operating at 193nm. For each laser type, long-term scarring, cytotoxicity, mutagenicity and free radical production will be studied in relevant in vivo and in vitro animal models. Furthermore, optimization of the irradiation protocol for the solid state laser will lead to the development of a wide range of biological applications.Read moreRead less
Optical defects of the eye and their relationship to visual performance. All of us will need ophthalmic correction (spectacles, contact lenses and/or refractive surgery) at some stage in our lives. This research is important to the whole Australian community as it will lead to improved equipment for measuring optics of the eye and their effects on spatial vision, better techniques for measuring vision, and obtaining a better understanding of the contribution of the optics to human vision. It wil ....Optical defects of the eye and their relationship to visual performance. All of us will need ophthalmic correction (spectacles, contact lenses and/or refractive surgery) at some stage in our lives. This research is important to the whole Australian community as it will lead to improved equipment for measuring optics of the eye and their effects on spatial vision, better techniques for measuring vision, and obtaining a better understanding of the contribution of the optics to human vision. It will provide information about how correcting optical defects through customized refractive surgery and how inducing optical defects (eg with progressive addition lenses) affect vision, and will thus guide developments in refractive surgery and spectacle lenses. Read moreRead less