Therapeutic control of pathological myopia: Role of transforming growth factor-beta [ 2007 - 2009 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof Neville Mcbrien (Principal investigator) ,  Dr Alex Gentle

Brief description Myopia (shortsightedness) is due to the eye being too long. It is a common refractive disorder, affecting some 25-30% of people in developed countries, and results in blurred distance vision. The optical consequences of myopia, namely blurred distance vision, are correctable with spectacles or contact lenses. However, a significant minority of individuals (3% of the Australian population) have excessively long eyes and high amounts of myopia. These enlarged eyes impose abnormal stresses on the structures inside, particularly affecting the retina, which is the light sensitive part of the eye. Damage that occurs to the retina in these eyes is, at present, untreatable and irreversible and can result in blindness. Myopia is the 2nd leading cause of blindness amongst adults of working age. For the eye to grow so large, its white outer coat (the sclera) must expand without allowing any leaks of the delicate structures and fluids inside. Although the sclera gets very thin as it expands, it has been shown that this process of expansion is a biochemically active process and not due to passive stretch. Before elongation of the eye can occur the biochemical structure of the sclera must change, a complex process involving accelerated production and breakdown of the biochemical building blocks of the sclera. Previous research in our laboratory indicates that changes in structure of the sclera are associated with reduced levels of the growth-controlling protein transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta). The aim of this project is to supplement TGF-beta levels in the sclera in order to reverse the loss of scleral tissue, stop the development of myopia and, therefore, prevent the development of the sight-threatening pathology associated with high myopia. In addition, we will determine the most effective way to deliver a sustained dose of TGF-beta to the sclera.

Funding Amount $AUD 312,730.47

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant