Transcript CERA PowerPoint Presentation

Keratoconus Research Innovation
at CERA
Dr Srujana Sahebjada
Research Fellow, Optometrist
Ocular Genetics Unit
PUBLICATIONS
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Evaluating the association between keratoconus and the corneal thickness genes in an
independent Australian Population. Sahebjada S et al. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2013.
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Impact of keratoconus in the better eye and worse eye on vision-related quality of life
through the vision specific multi assessment utility index - the Vision and Quality of Life
Index. Sahebjada S et al. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci..
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Association of the Hepatocyte Growth Factor gene with Keratoconus in an Australian
Population. Sahebjada S et al. PLoS One. 2014.
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Assessment of anterior segment parameters and clinical correlation of corneal curvature in
Keratoconic eyes. Sahebjada S et al. Optometry and Vision Science 2014.
CONFERENCES
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Asia Cornea Society, China.2014 (Presenting in Dec)
Eucornea Conference, Europe. 2013
Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology annual Meeting, US. 2012
Royal Australian and New Zealand and College of Ophthalmologist, Australia. 2012
Biomed conference, Australia. 2012
Melbourne Ophthalmic Alumni Meeting, Australia.2011
Project Titles
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Economic impact of Keratoconus -a patient’s perspective
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Genome wide expression profiling of keratoconus & non
keratoconus corneas
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Early detection of keratoconus using advanced image &
genetic techniques in families of keratoconus subjects
Economic burden of Keratoconus
Background
 Represents a significant public health concern.
 Most KC patients incur high out-of-pocket expenses as a result of
Direct costs - glasses, contact lenses, contact lens solutions,
pharmaceuticals, hospitals, health practitioners
&
Indirect costs -informal care and support and time taken off from work
 The results from this study will directly reflect the patient's
perspective.
Gene expression analysis of keratoconus & non
keratoconus corneas
Background
 Provides insight into the early stages of disease.
 Corneal buttons are typically discarded following corneal transplantation.
 This work will allow us to identify high risk individuals who are yet to
develop Keratoconus.
 Long-term aim is to stopping its progression to more advanced stages of
the disease.
Procedures for the recruitment
Prior to surgery
1) Specific demographic data and consent will be collected
2) Each individual will undergo an eye examination
During surgery
3) Corneal tissue will be collected and stored for further genetic
analysis.
No additional time required to collect the corneal tissue!
Early detection of Keratoconus
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Recent advances in imaging techniques allows the early
detection of corneal changes.
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Corneal thickness represents an important marker for
detecting subclinical keratoconus.
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Clinical examination of family members may reveal the
potential predisposing features/ subclinical keratoconus.
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Thus the collection of family members will enable us to assess
the underlying risk factors.
Methods
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Family members will be
invited.
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Each individual will have
a pentacam image as
well as standard imaging
undertaken.
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Images will be analyzed.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE PROJECTS
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Estimating the economic burden of keratoconus will be the world's first
and largest study.
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Greater knowledge of the genetics will help to understand the hereditary
influence of the disease.
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Advanced imaging techniques can assist in detecting subclinical
keratoconus.
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Corneal cross linking may therefore become the standard treatment
option.
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Ultimately this may allow the majority of keratoconus patients to be
managed with glasses or contact lenses.
Volunteers with Keratoconus and their family members are
invited to participate.
For more information or for an appointment you can contact:
Dr Srujana Sahebjada
E-mail: [email protected]
Mobile: 0404 181 677