The LSU Eye Center's annual fundraising event, The Visionary Gala, has provided critical seed money for the early phases of this project and, now, the dramatic potential of this research has sparked international interest. Dr. Peyman announced that, based on the implants developed by Dr. Chow, the German government will partially fund implant research by German researchers and industry. The LSU Eye Center team and the German group will continue collaborative work with Dr. Chow to refine the retina chip for testing in future human clinical trials. Eye injuries can happen to anyone, but children and young adults are especially at risk, according to Dr. Keith Morgan, the LSU Eye Center's pediatric ophthalmologist. Studies by the American Academy of Ophthalmology show that more than one million people suffer eye injuries each year, and more than half of these are under the age of 25.
Many eye traumas occur during sports, active play or other recreational activities.
Potentially dangerous situations can also occur at home and at school. If an eye injury should occur, seek medical help immediately. Proper treatment as soon as possible can prevent vision loss. But remember, prevention is the best treatment of all.