 |
|
Method devised for diagnosis of ocular diseases
January 18, 2007GAIKER-IK4 Technological Centre's Area of Biotechnology, together with the Opthtalmological Surgery Clinical Institute of Bilbao (ICQO) are co-operating in a research project the aim of which is to develop a diagnostic system, based on immunochromatographic techniques, for the specific recognition of proteic markers for ocular pathologies in eye teardrop samples.
This system, carried out with a swab (similar to pregnancy testing), will initially detect specific markers for ocular pathologies such as conjunctivochalasis and keratoconus and will enable, with a sample of teardrop liquid, the diagnosis of the patient with these disorders.
The ease of use of the system and both its speed and simplicity (a positive testing sign in the form of a coloured band) enables the system to be employed on a daily basis in the clinic. The markers on which the design of this diagnostic system is based are being analysed throughout the research project and validated by means of their recognition by specific antibodies in samples from the tears of patients affected by these pathologies.
In the future, towards the end of 2008, those responsible for the project hope to develop a multiple system, capable of detecting the presence of other ocular pathologies, besides the two already established in the initial phase, and with the aim of launching the diagnostic tests on the market.
Pathologies studied
Keratoconus or conic cornea condition is a disorder of the human eye which rarely causes blindness but can considerably interfere with vision. This pathology distorts the usual rounded shape of the cornea and forms acone-shaped prominence. It occurs in one in every two thousand persons and generally it coincides with puberty. Keratoconus does not follow any known geographical cultural or social pattern.
Conjunctivochalasis is the relaxation of the bulbar conjunctive capable of creating conjunctive folds over the lower palpebral rim.
Progress of the research
This research project, started in 2004 and due to terminate next year, is based on a comparative study of proteome in samples of teardrops from patients suffering from keratoconus and conjunctivochalasis and, as a control, in samples of healthy patients.
Proteomics is the tool employed in this study to simultaneously analyse all the proteins involved in a pathology and contained in just one sample of teardrops. This set of proteins, known as "proteome", is what enables the determination of which proteins are affected in their expression in ocular pathology conditions, thus indicating to GAIKER-IK4 researchers which are the potential markers to employ as recognition targets within the diagnostic system being developed.
This approximation is important in as far as just one sample enables the analysis not only of one or two proteins, but of all the proteins contained in the teardrop and that are involved in the evolution of a specific ocular pathology, thus enabling finding various markers, suitable for use in developing multiples diagnosis systems. These new systems will have direct benefits on public health and in future can be linked with innovative technologies such as nano- and microtechnologies, capable of incorporating fragments of biomolecules.
Elhuyar Fundazioa
In the future, towards the end of 2008, those responsible for the project hope to develop a multiple system, capable of detecting the presence of other ocular pathologies, besides the two already established in the initial phase, and with the aim of launching the diagnostic tests on the market.
Pathologies studied
Keratoconus or conic cornea condition is a disorder of the human eye which rarely causes blindness but can considerably interfere with vision. This pathology distorts the usual rounded shape of the cornea and forms acone-shaped prominence. It occurs in one in every two thousand persons and generally it coincides with puberty. Keratoconus does not follow any known geographical cultural or social pattern.
Conjunctivochalasis is the relaxation of the bulbar conjunctive capable of creating conjunctive folds over the lower palpebral rim.
Progress of the research
This research project, started in 2004 and due to terminate next year, is based on a comparative study of proteome in samples of teardrops from patients suffering from keratoconus and conjunctivochalasis and, as a control, in samples of healthy patients.
Proteomics is the tool employed in this study to simultaneously analyse all the proteins involved in a pathology and contained in just one sample of teardrops. This set of proteins, known as "proteome", is what enables the determination of which proteins are affected in their expression in ocular pathology conditions, thus indicating to GAIKER-IK4 researchers which are the potential markers to employ as recognition targets within the diagnostic system being developed.
This approximation is important in as far as just one sample enables the analysis not only of one or two proteins, but of all the proteins contained in the teardrop and that are involved in the evolution of a specific ocular pathology, thus enabling finding various markers, suitable for use in developing multiples diagnosis systems. These new systems will have direct benefits on public health and in future can be linked with innovative technologies such as nano- and microtechnologies, capable of incorporating fragments of biomolecules.
Elhuyar Fundazioa
Conference report highlights new research into drug delivery to treat eye disease
Researchers are investigating microneedles, nanoparticles and polymer carriers as potential new techniques to combat the leading cause of visual impairment and blindness in the United States, according to a report from the Third Annual ARVO/Pfizer Ophthalmics Research Institute Conference.
Worldwide clinical trials for new technique for early detection of eye disease
A unique new non-invasive technique for high resolution optical imaging of the eye is receiving global acclaim. The technique, pioneered by the University of Kent, is funded by the Toronto-based company, Ophthalmic Technology Inc (OTI). The University's Applied Optics Group is currently working with university hospitals in New York (USA), Osaka (Japan), Asahikawa (Japan), Amsterdam (Netherlands) and Milan (Italy) to carry out preliminary clinical trials. By combining two high-resolution imaging technologies, the new technique provides doctors with 3-D images of the retina, macula and the optic nerve. Such high resolution images provide clinicians with capabilities for early diagnosis and tre
More Ocular Diseases Current Events and Ocular Diseases News Articles
 |
Ocular Surface Disease: Medical and Surgical Management by Mark J. Mannis (Editor), Edward J. Holland (Editor) Ocular Surface Diseases is the first definitive text on the medical and surgical management of ocular surface diseases, with a special emphasis on stem cell deficiency disorders. The editors are world-renowned corneal specialists who have recruited leaders in the field of ocular surface disease to contribute chapters. These chapters are formatted for consistency, heavily illustrated, and uniformly captioned for ease of use by the reader. The book's emphasis is on clear diagnostic and therapeutic classifications, and inclusiveness of differing techniques. For the practicing ophthalmologist, both corneal specialists in the academic setting and general ophthalmologists, this is the first authoritative text on state-of-the-art techniques in the management of ocular surface disorders. |
 |
Ocular Differential Diagnosis, 7E and Ocular Syndromes and Systemic Diseases, 3E Package by Frederick Hampton Roy (Author) Univ. of Arkansas, Little Rock. Brandon/Hill Medical List selection (#392). Quick-reference provides comprehensive lists of causes for each symptom or finding. Features alphabetical listings, complete and condensed Rx/Dxs, practical diagnostic decision tables, and suggested readings. Outline format. Numerous tables and graphs. Previous edition: c1996. Softcover. |
 |
Bio Tears Oral Gel Caps for Dry Eye by Biosyntrx, Inc. BioTears is a patented next-generation dietary supplement from the inventors of HydroEye. It is designed to systemically address the root inflammatory cause and effects of dry eye syndrome. It's suggested in peer-reviewed literature that these specific nutrients support normal production of lubricants in other affected parts of the body, such as mucous membranes of the mouth and vagina, and interior body surfaces such as joints and synovial membranes. BioTears addresses the structure and function of the tear film, which is vital for visual clarity. BioTears Oral GelCaps contain the optimal blend of Omega 3 and Omega 6 essentials fatty acids, plus all the nutrient co-factors suggested to enhance the metabolic conversion associated with the tear-specific series one anti-inflammatory... |
 |
Retinal Vascular Disease by A.M. Joussen (Editor), T.W. Gardner (Editor), B. Kirchhof (Editor), S.J. Ryan (Editor) Vascular diseases of the retina are a major cause of blindness among all age groups. Edited and written by internationally well-known experts, this state-of-the-art comprehensive overview of basic and clinical science will enhance the understanding of retinal vascular disease and help in the evaluation of current and future treatment approaches for the clinician. The well-structured and highly illustrated text is divided into the following three main sections: |
|
Diabetes and Ocular Disease: Past, Present, and Future Therapies (Ophthalmology Monographs) by Ingrid Scott (Editor), Harry Flynn (Editor), William Smiddy (Editor) Diabetes mellitus is a complex, multifactorial disease that is often associated with progressive retinopathy and visual loss. In this book, Drs. Scott, Flynn, and Smiddy have compiled the current basic science and clinical information from leading authorities on diabetic eye disease. They have also included the results of clinical trials in patients with diabetic retinopathy, as well as the guidelines established by collaborative studies and the concepts of disease mechanisms and clinical management that have subsequently evolved from those guidelines. This monograph will provide practitioners with a concise, up-to-date, practical reference for the diagnosis and management of ocular disease in diabetic patients. | |
 |
Diseases of the Ocular Fundus by Jack Kanski (Author), Stanislaw Milewski (Author), Bertil Damato (Author), Vaughan Tanner (Author) Here's a comprehensive reference source on all types of retinal, vitreal, and choroidal disorders, fundus tumors, and optic nerve diseases. Highly respected authorities offer a practical framework for diagnosis as well as valuable advice on management. Over 1,330 photographs and line drawings (850 in full color) provide outstanding visual guidance. And, numerous case studies illustrate the clinical applications of the material. Uses a consistent, logical format to present each disease's clinical features · diagnosis · disease course · complications · treatment · and differential diagnosis. Offers more than 1,150 clinical photographs (over 850 in full color)— including numerous fluorescein angiograms, indocyanine green angiograms, and OCT, CT, and MR scans —... |
 |
Optical Coherence Tomography of Ocular Diseases by Joel S. Schuman MD (Author), Carmen A. Puliafito MD (Author), James G. Fujimoto PhD (Author) Optical Coherence Tomography of Ocular Diseases, Second Edition is a completely revised and updated version of this classic text. Incorporated within over 700 pages are a multitude of updated features unique to this edition including over 1,600 color images, state-of-the-art technology, and case presentations. These elements cohesively work together to successfully demonstrate the retina in normal and diseased states using the innovative Stratus OCTTM. Optical Coherence Tomography of Ocular Diseases, Second Edition is written with the clinician in mind. The text's primary objective is to illustrate the appearance of the eye in health and disease, comparing conventional clinical technologies using OCT imaging. This method introduces the clinician to the manifestations of disease... |
|
Ocular Accommodation, Convergence, and Fixation Disparity: A Manual of Clinical Analysis by David A. Goss (Author) This popular manual introduces the organization and analysis of clinical optometric data used in writing prescriptions for glasses. This edition has been greatly expanded to include new information on accommodative disorders and fixation disparity (among others). Case reports integrated throughout the text illustrate the management process. | |
 |
Ocular Inflammatory Disease by Jack J. Kanski MD MS FRCS FRCOphth (Author), Carlos E Pavesio MD FRCOophth (Author), Stephen J. Tuft MA MChir MD FRCOphth (Author) Highly Commended in the British Medical Association Book Awards 2007 This is a succinct and practical guide that provides a clear overview of ocular inflammatory diseases. The text has been richly illustrated with clinical details and examples. A description of the diagnostic features, investigations, differential diagnosis and management of each condition is presented. The book is primarily intended for trainee ophthalmologists at all levels and should also be of interest to optometrists. Covers all inflammatory conditions of the anterior segment of the eye and intraocular inflammation Chronological descriptions of disease processes Virtually every condition is illustrated by a full color image Special emphasis on management of complications such as cataract,... |
 |
Ocular Angiogenesis: Diseases, Mechanisms, and Therapeutics (Ophthalmology Research) by Joyce Tombran-Tink (Editor), Colin J. Barnstable (Editor) Leading academic and pharmaceutical researchers and clinicians from many disciplines synthesize and summarize current clinical and basic knowledge concerning abnormal growth of blood vessels in the eye, the cause of major neovascular eye diseases. The authors also identify and assess the most promising approaches with potential for commercial exploitation and discuss the challenges encountered in developing therapeutics for ocular neovascular diseases. Highlights include illuminating chapters on gene therapy and novel drug delivery systems and excellent summaries of the newest therapeutic approaches. A companion CD contains color versions of important figures used in the book. |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |