Roni M. Shtein, M.D.
Research Projects

Corneal neovascularization (CN) is a risk factor for corneal graft failure and rejection. Neovascularization compromises the immune-privileged status of the cornea by introducing immune cells and inflammatory mediators to the cornea.  Dr. Shtein is studying specific patterns of CN to determine which characteristics worsen the prognosis for graft survival.

Conventional techniques to study neovascularization do not permit accurate measurements or images that could be correlated with rejection. Confocal biomicroscopy is a new technique that can accurately determine the presence and patterns of CN and, thus, help identify patients who are at risk for tissue rejection and may be helped by therapeutic intervention.  

She also performs histopathologic studies of corneal tissue in the laboratory to understand the molecular basis of graft rejection and possible targets for therapies to protect the transplanted cornea.

Dr. Shtein is Principal Investigator of a clinical trial that examines the pathogenesis of idiopathic dry eyes.  This trial evaluates patients with dry eye symptoms that do not have any apparent cause.  She is hoping to learn about the relationship between dry eye symptoms and fibromyalgia in order to better understand and treat these conditions.