The Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences offers medical students and residents a variety of research opportunities. Please browse the basic science, translational and clinical research projects currently underway below.
Research Topic: Corneal endothelial health judged by endothelial image analysis
Description
Endothelium is critical for dehydrating the cornea and keeping it clear. With loss of its barrier and pump function, the cornea swells and corneal transplantation may be needed.
Changes in the number, shape and size of the cells may predict loss of function.
Key Research Question/Hypothesis
Effect of drugs, surgery, devices, and preservation media on the endothelium.
Methods
Images of the endothelium captured with either a specular or confocal microscope that can take repeated pictures of the endothelial cells non-invasively in patients. Once images are captured, they can be analyzed with special software in the Cornea Image Analysis Reading Center (CIARC) of the Department.
Student learn these techniques working with both patients and technicians, depending on the project.
Timeline
Ongoing projects.
Status of IRB/IACUC approval
Image analysis studies in CIARC approved; ongoing projects have IRB approval. If launching a new project, IRB approval will need to be obtained.
Prospects for Publishing and Presenting
Excellent; we have a long track record of publications in major journals and presentations at national and international conferences.
Contact Information
Tanisha Rankins
Secretary to Dr. Jonathan Lass
- Email: tanisha.rankins@uhhospitals.org
- Phone: 216.983.5164
Research Topic: Retinopathy of Prematurity and other Pediatric Studies
Key Research Question/Hypothesis
Effect of low birth weight on the eye’s development.
Methods
Data analysis, chart review.
Timeline
Several ongoing projects—long-term data collection.
Status of IRB/IACUC approval
Current study has IRB approval. Any new studies will need IRB approval.
Prospects for Publishing and Presenting
Excellent; the data base study has been presented at ARVO and is in preparation for publication in a major pediatric journal.
Contact Information
Dr. Faruk Orge
- Email: faruk.orge@uhhospitals.org
- Phone: 440.684.1743
Research Topic: Cholesterol and function of the retina
Description
Cholesterol is essential for life in mammal. Yet, if it is chronically in excess, it is a risk factor for cardiovascular and Alzheimer's disease and likely age-related macular degeneration.
Key Research Question/Hypothesis
To delineate the putative link between cholesterol and age-related macular degeneration.
Methods
Characterization of retinal function of mice deficient in different enzymes involved in cholesterol elimination. Animals are assessed by optical coherence tomography, electroretinography, fluorescein angiography and optomotor response.
Students learn these techniques working with post-doctoral researchers responsible for these projects.
Timeline
Ongoing projects.
Status of IRB/IACUC approval
All studies are approved by the IACUC.
Prospects for Publishing and Presenting
Excellent.
Contact Information
Dr. Irina Pikuleva
- Email: irina.pikuleva@case.edu
- Phone: 216.368.3823
Research Topic: Contact Lens Related Complications
Description
Ongoing clinical trials related to corneal infiltrative events associated with daily or extended wear of soft contact lenses. Fungal and bacterial biofilm-contact lens models and susceptibility to contact lens care products.
Key Research Question/Hypothesis
Assessment of sub-clinical corneal inflammation with confocal microscopy. Assessment of bacterial endotoxin and relationship to infiltrative events with soft lenses.
Methods
- Ocular and lens cultures for assessment of bioburden
- Reading/Assessment of stored confocal images
- Collection of worn lenses for biofilm formation
- Lab Assays (in conjunction with Dr. Pearlman’s lab) for endotoxin on lens surfaces or within solution
Timeline
Ongoing projects.
Status of IRB/IACUC approval
Active approved IRB protocols exist for current clinical trials on infiltrative events, biofilm studies, and assays of previously collected lenses, tears and images.
Prospects for Publishing and Presenting
Excellent chance for authorship on investigator initiated studies of biofilm and endotoxin assays. Listing of authors will follow standard publishing guidelines.
Other corporate-funded work may or may not allow authorship.
Contact Information
Dr. Loretta Szcztoka-Flynn
- Email: loretta.szczotka@uhhospitals.org
- Phone: 216.368.3823
Research Topic: Mechanisms of retinal degenerations
Key Research Question/Hypothesis
How do mutations in the light receptor rhodopsin cause retinal degenerations like retinitis pigmentosa? How does the retina protect against oxidative stresses that can lead to retinal degenerations such as retinitis pigmentosa and age-related macular degeneration?
Methods
A multi-disciplinary approach is employed that includes biochemistry, molecular biology, animal models and biophysics.
Timeline
Ongoing projects.
Status of IRB/IACUC approval
All animal studies have approved IACUC protocols.
Prospects for Publishing and Presenting
Excellent with track record of publications in major journals and presentations at national and international conferences.
Contact Information
Information about the laboratory can be found by browsing the Park Lab webpage.