A Method for Collecting and Analyzing Human Eye Tissue

The retina is the light-sensitive tissue which lines the back of the eye. Within the retina, different regions perform specialized functions and show different vulnerabilities to disease. For example, the macular region of the retina allows for high-resolution vision and becomes damaged in Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD). The unique compositions of proteins in each region play a key role in allowing for these specialized retinal functions. In this study, we used microsurgery techniques and tissue biopsy tools to create a new protocol for collecting and studying proteins in different retinal regions of a donor human eye. Additionally, we provided guidance for handling these proteins and demonstrated downstream experimental applications of this method. This new protocol will allow researchers to reliably collect tissue from specific retinal regions for protein analysis, helping to better understand and fight eye disease.