This work has received MRC funding and was commended by the Department of Health and Education at the time of the last review process. Disease of the surface tissues of the eye following injury is a major cause of visual loss. Collaborative studies are being developed with the Wound Healing Group, at the Institute of Ophthalmology to develop epithelial cell transplantation to help restore the ocular surface. This work should extend to clinical trials within the next two years. Corneal endothelial disease is a major cause of graft failure.
Research is in progress to modify corneal endothelial cell function by gene transfer.
This laboratory based work is expected to become a clinical trial within the next two years. The cornea is the clear part of the wall of the eye through which light is focussed on the retina. Corneal disease is the second leading cause of visual loss worldwide. The biomaterials and tissue engineering group, led by Bruce Allan, is engaged in a comprehensive programme of research aimed at developing an artificial cornea. Glaucoma and cataract frequently coexist.