Research Opportunities

Purpose of the Study: To demonstrate that rare-earth magnets could be used to treat patients with lost or paretic extraocular muscles.
Basic Eligibility Criteria: Pediatric and adult patients with lost or paretic extraocular muscles.
Key Research question/hypothesis: Using MATLAB, various orbital geometries and magnet parameters will be tested in order to reproduce the force generation curves of nascent extraocular muscles. A proof-of-concept will then be built to confirm and refine the mathematical model.
Timeline: The project is expected to take 3-6 months to complete.
Status of IRB/IACUC approval: IRB approval is not needed, and abstract submission is planned for ARVO, AAPOS, and first-tier craniofacial reconstructive publications.
Contact Information: Michael Abrams, MD, Principle Investigator (michael.abrams@uhhospitals.org)

Purpose of the Study: Analyze outcomes of resident cases
Basic Eligibility Criteria: Cataract
Key Research question/hypothesis: What are the outcomes of resident-performed phacoemulsification cases at the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center in the academic year of 2018-2019?
Methods: Chart review
Timeline: ongoing for the year
Status of IRB/IACUC approval: QI project, no IRB required.
Prospects for publishing and presenting: yes
Principal investigator: Edward Burney, MD
Study contact: Manasvee Kapadia, MD (Manasvee.kapadia@uhhospitals.org)

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 would learn these techniques working with both patients and technicians, depending on the projects.
Timeline: Ongoing projects
Status of IRB/IACUC approval: Image analysis studies in CIARC approved; ongoing projects have IRB approval. If new project, IRB approval will need to be obtained.
Prospects for publishing and presenting: Excellent with long track record of publications in major journals and presentation at national and international conferences
Contact Information: Michele Ware (michele.ware@uhhospitals.org), Secretary to Jonathan Lass, MD, at 216-844-8590

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. New studies will need IRB approval.
Prospects for publishing and presenting: Excellent. The data base study has been presented at ARVO and in preparation for publication in major pediatric journal.
Contact Information: Faruk Orge, MD (faruk.orge@uhhospitals.org) at 440-684-1743

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. Student would 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: Irina Pikuleva, MD (irina.pikuleva@case.edu) at 216-368-3823

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:
1. Ocular and lens cultures for assessment of bioburden
2. Reading/Assessment of stored confocal images
3. collection of worn lenses for biofilm formation
4. 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/may not allow authorship.
Contact Information: Loretta Szcztoka-Flynn, OD, PhD (loretta.szczotka@uhhospitals.org) at 216-368-3823

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 multidisciplinary 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 presentation at national and international conferences.
Contact Information: Information about the laboratory can be found by browsing the Park Lab webpage.