NCRM in finding a solution to Corneal Endothelial Disorders
Corneal endothelium is the innermost sensitive layer of the transparent cornea. Regeneration of the endothelial cell layers has been a difficult job and it is believed that the Corneal endothelium doesn't regenerate after an injury.
Close to 50% of the corneal transplant indicated patients have endothelial problems. We have started a joint research work with Joseph Eye Hospital, Trichy on finding a solution to ENDOTHELIAL problems of the cornea. The MoU signing ceremony was held on the 01st of March 06.
Approximately 27000 people (2003-04 data) register for corneal transplantation every year in India, but only 2500 or less could receive corneal transplantation, due to lack of adequate donors or healthy corneas. Among the remaining 24500 patients close to 40% suffer from only Corneal epithelial disorder, to whom the outcome of our research would mean a lot with the recovery of their vision.
Endothelium forms the innermost of the five layers of cornea and is just one layer thick. It functions as a pump to supply nutrients from the aqueous humor (fluid filling the back side of the cornea, the area called Anterior chamber of Eye) to the epithelial cells through the stroma layer. Any degeneration or injury to the endothelium is likely to result in opacity of that area involved.
This project apart from the above topics would also concentrate in developing ocular cell lines of various pathology for research purposes.
Fig.1 Anatomy of the eye
(Illustration not to proportions)
