New and Expanded Programs - Eye Center Expansion

Programs created or expanded in the new Eye Center

Molecular Diagnostic Testing Center for eye gene testing. Kellogg was first in the country to be federally certified for an ophthalmic molecular diagnostic laboratory. Testing at the molecular level is important because some diseases cannot be diagnosed by a clinical eye exam. By analyzing DNA samples, researchers can distinguish among disease types and offer a precise diagnosis. The Eye Center currently screens patients for 11 retina genes, and processes approximately 100 samples per year. The activity will increase as new genes are identified and treatments advance.
Genetic Counseling Center will expand to help patients weigh the benefits of genetic testing, and, if they choose to proceed, to discuss how the findings might affect their lives. Currently two counselors serve Eye Center patients, including those enrolled in the Family AMD Study.
Ophthalmic Translational Research Center will focus on accelerating the process by which basic research yields practical clinical applications. Often referred to as “bench to bedside” research, the goal is to hasten the development of treatments and therapies for patients suffering from visual disorders.
Center for Retinal and Macular Degeneration has, since 1990, brought together scientists who study inherited eye diseases—primarily retinitis pigmentosa and age-related macular degeneration—that cause progressive vision loss and ultimately blindness. The Center’s vision scientists use many approaches in their studies: human molecular genetics; cell biology, physiology, biochemistry, and molecular biology; and electrophysiology and other gene expression techniques.
Program for Diabetic Retinopathy and Vascular Disease will include both clinical and laboratory research studies to investigate retinal vascular diseases. The primary goal is to prevent and treat the sight-threatening complications of diabetes.
Core Facilities provide equipment, technology and expertise to be shared among laboratories. Currently Kellogg has six Core Modules funded by the National Institutes of Health, and has plans to add two more.
Ultrafast Lasers. The Kellogg Eye Center was the first in the nation to apply the femtosecond laser to eye surgery. In collaboration with the School of Engineering, Kellogg researchers developed the IntraLase laser, now considered the standard for LASIK surgery. Kellogg is currently developing new applications of this laser for glaucoma surgery and cornea transplants.
Expanded Clinical Trials Center. Recent clinical trials enrolling patients include evaluations of an implantable miniature telescope for patients with AMD; a study of rhuFab (Lucentis) a new treatment for "wet" AMD; and a multi-center trial evaluating treatments for glaucoma and related quality of life issues.