Projects / Programmes
Eye diseases of adults and children
January 1, 2014
- December 31, 2018
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 3.03.00 |
Medical sciences |
Neurobiology |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| B620 |
Biomedical sciences |
Ophtalmology |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 3.01 |
Medical and Health Sciences |
Basic medicine |
Researchers (20)
Organisations (2)
Abstract
In the next programme period, we would like to continue with the work charted in the period between 2009-2013. We would therefore like to keep the following parts of the program as follows:
1.DYSTROPHIES AND DEGENERATIONS AND INFLAMMATORY DISEASES OF UVEA, RETINA AND OPTIC NERVE (leader prof.dr.M.Hawlina)
We wish to continue the work with phenotype-genotype correlations and characterisation of retinal dystrophies and inherited optic neuropathies. Also we wish to continue the work on age related macular degeneration in the era of new anti VEGF agents. Also, we wish to continue our work on inflammatory eye diseases.
2.ELECTROPHYSIOLOGICAL FUNCTION OF THE RETINA AND VISUAL PATHWAY (leader: dr. J.Brecelj)
With the newly developed electrophysiological methods, we wish to investigate cone dystrophies and define the extent of cone involvement in these. We also wish to elucidate the ganglion celll function in children with bilateral optic nerve hypoplasia, using new method of photopic negative response (PhNR) which can also be used in patients with unstable fixation. We also wish to assess the sensitivity of the new multifocal and color visual evoked potentials in patients with optic neuritis.
3.CLINICAL STUDIES OF CHILD'S VISION (leader prof.dr. B.Stirn-Kranjc)
We wish to coninue to investigate a) changes of extraocular muscles in different diseases, b) sensory disturbances in congenital nystagmus c) clinical study of the disturbances in optic nerves, visual pathway with or without associated developmental disorders of the central nervous system and d) investigate the development of vision in premature infants with brain disorders to assess the risk factors according to their gestation age at birth.
4.
CLINICAL AND ULRASTRUCTURAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CORNEA AND LENS (leader prof.dr. M.Hawlina)
We wish to continue our studies of the cornea with the use of new laser optical coherence tomography of anterior eye segment. We also wish to continue investigations of ultrastructure of anterior lens capsule with scan electron microscopy.
5.DIABETIC RETINOPATHY (leader doc.dr.M. Globočnik Petrovič)
We wish to assess the importance of inflammation in diabetic retinopathy. We would like to introduce analysis of inflammatory markers in vitreous body to assess postoperative outcome. With assessment of cell mediated inflammation and proinflammatory cytokines in the vitreous and in fibrovascular membranes in patients with PDR, we wish to assess the effects of inflammatory processes on visual function.
6.GLAUCOMA (leader doc.dr.B.Cvenkel)
a) We wish to assess the effect of topical antiglaucoma treatment on ocular surface and analyse the effects of treatment on morphological and immunohystochemical changes on the samples of exfoliative cytology of the conjunctiva. b) Electrophysiology: We wish to asses the usefulness of new electrophysiological tests in different stages of glaucoma. c) Pharmacogenomics in glaucoma:we wish to study genetic markers of the response to topical treatment with prostaglandine analogs, d) Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT): In patients with open angle glaucoma we wish to assess morphological changes after SLT treatment with modified profile of laser beam in comparison to standard form of the beam.
7. INFLUENCE OF LASER IRRADIATION ON THE OCULAR AND PERIOCULAR TISSUES (leader prof.dr.B.Drnovšek-Olup)
We wish to continue to study the effects, continue develpment and clinical use of lasers for dacryocystorhinostomy and YAG lasers for use in anterior segment of the eye.
8.TRANSLATION EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES: (leaders: dr.S.Andjelić, dr.G.Belušič, prof.dr.M. Hawlina) We wish to continue the work on lens epithelial cells in different types of cataracts and mechanisms of cataractogenesis. We wish to introduce the techniques of culturing lens epithelial cells and corneal stem cells that are important in the treatment of severe thermal and chemical burns.
Significance for science
All proposed sections of the programme bring new scientific information of clinical importance. Scientific findings bring possibilities of better understanding of diseases and better diagnostics and treatment. Important aspects of very early diagnosis of retinal dystrophies and degenerations, diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma, diseases of the cornea and lens as well as in pediatric neuroophthalmic diseases, in which it may be possible to prevent the loss of vision. Research on genetic causes of these diseases are important for diagnosis and prognosis and hopefully, for genetic treatment when it becomes available. Research on laser irradiation on the ocular and periocular tissues is important to optimise the medical laser from the concepts to preclinical and clinical use. It is expected that the scientific findings obtained within this program will have direct impact on better diagnosis and treatment of ocular diseases.
Significance for the country
In Slovenia, our research programme brings new possibilities to introduce modern diagnostic and treatment methods. This is also important in obtaining new diagnostic equipment that is important for both, development of scientific methods as well as improvement of clinical applications. Results of use of new equiopment have been published in three issues of Slovenian Medical Journal, Zdravniški vestnik and the fouth one is going to be issued shortly. Introduction of new methods do have direct impact on the health of the population. Modern diagnostics and treatment offer immediate benefit to the patients whilst the genetic research brings understanding of slovenian types of mutations and although this may still be a long process, it promises to alleviate or at least slow down the progression of genetic diseases. it is also very important to have the opportunity to develop our medical research personnel as well as our dedicated technical staff.
Most important scientific results
Annual report
2014,
2015,
final report
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Annual report
2014,
2015,
final report
