Priority research areas to help save sight
At the Lions Eye Institute, we’re making a real difference by pushing the boundaries of science to find new treatments and cures for eye disease. None of this would be possible without our amazing supporters. Together, we can aspire to a brighter future with better vision for all. Thank you for being a crucial part of this incredible journey.
Our priority areas of translational research are supported by award-winning researchers. Learn more about our research by watching the short videos below.
- Glaucoma
- Diabetic and vascular retinopathies
- Indigenous eye disease and community eye research
- Genetic eye disease and gene therapies
- Cornea, ocular surface and ocular immunology
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is the third most common cause of blindness globally. It is a degenerative, life-long disease caused by raised intraocular pressure which gradually crushes the optic nerve fibre, causing sight loss. Surgery and laser treatments have limited and short-term effect.
Our research goal is to identify the underlying physiology of glaucoma, and work towards better understanding of the eye and developing novel therapies to save sight.
Diabetic and vascular retinopathy
Vascular diseases of the retina are a major and growing contributor to blindness globally. There are more than 40 million people worldwide with type 1 diabetes, and Australia has one of the highest incidence rates at 7.4 per cent. Of affected Australians, 15 per cent have diabetic retinopathy.
Our research goal is to develop new detection and monitoring techniques of early-to-late changes in diabetic and other retinal vascular disorders, and treatments to improve quality of life for patients with these conditions.
Indigenous eye disease and community eye research
Vision challenges among Australia’s Indigenous population and neighbouring developing countries are significant. In our Indigenous communities, vision loss is three times more common than in non-Indigenous communities. In countries such as Indonesia, access to affordable and effective eye health care can be challenging.
Our research goal is to more effectively detect and treat particularly common and insidious, non-reversible diseases such as diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma in remote, rural and Indigenous communities in Australia and developing countries.
Genetic eye disease and gene therapies
Single gene diseases of the eye can devastate vision in childhood, and have a significant impact on families. The most common types – inherited retinal diseases and hereditary optic neuropathies – affect the retina and optic nerves. Collectively they are the most common cause of blindness in the working-age population, affecting one in 2,000 people. The most common is retinitis pigmentosa.
Our research goal is to reduce blindness due to conditions of singular genetic eye diseases, by developing a greater understanding of genetic causes of eye disease, and the creation of novel treatments and therapies.
Cornea, ocular surface and ocular immunology
The immune system is critical to life. Many blinding eye diseases, such as uveitis and keratitis, have an immune or inflammatory basis. Dry eye disease is a multifactorial inflammatory condition, and left untreated it can lead to permanent damage to the surface of the eye. Damage to the corneal surface can also be caused by infections such as herpes.
Our research goal is to improve understanding of and treatments for common disorders of the eye and ocular surface involving immune system reactions that greatly affect people’s quality of life.
Research groups dedicated to finding new treatments and cures
The Lions Eye Institute’s research groups comprise global leaders in their fields, whose work is critical to understanding and investigating the causes, symptoms and treatments for blinding eye diseases and conditions.
Retinal genomics and therapy
Join Dr Livia Carvalho as she explains the work of the Retinal Genomics and Therapy research group. The group was established in 2016 by Dr Livia Carvalho and Emeritus Professor David Hunt.
