Uveitis
Specialized solutions to treat and understand inflammation inside the eye.
Uveitis is the term for inflammation inside the eye that can result from autoimmune diseases and infections. In nearly half the cases, the exact cause is not known. Acute and chronic inflammation can damage the retina and cause blindness.
In the operating room and clinic we apply novel surgical and medical treatments. We have published studies on the use of a surgical implant that provides long-term release of medication inside the eye.
In the laboratory, we are analyzing the proteins in eye fluids from patients to identify the molecules and mechanisms that cause inflammation. We believe a "personalized proteome" is a key tool for developing highly individualized treatment for uveitis.
We have a special interest in inflammatory eye disease that develops in related family members. We are making significant effort to identify the gene and develop therapy for patients with ADNIV, an inherited form of uveitis.
Please contact us for a consultation or learn how to support our research programs.
News
As medical professionals search for new ways to personalize diagnosis and treatment of disease, RPB-supported researchers at the University of Iowa have already put into practice what may be the next big step in precision medicine: personalized proteomics.
May 14 2013 | Posted In: 20/20 Blog
Our laboratory has identified the CAPN5 gene as the cause of ADNIV, an inherited autoimmune disease of the eye. This landmark discovery represents the first identified gene that causes uveitis - a blinding inflammation within the eyes. The condition is also characterized by abnormal...
Jun 16 2012 | Posted In: 20/20 Blog
ADNIV is an inherited autoimmune disease of the eye. We performed a study to determine the benefit of Retisert, an implant that delivers steroids within the eye for several years.
In a study published in the journal, Archives of Ophthalmology, we found that the implant inhibited specific features...
Jun 16 2012 | Posted In: 20/20 Blog
Endophthalmitis is a sight-threatening intraocular inflammatory disorder resulting from infection of the vitreous cavity. Following introduction of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), the role of this treatment modality for endophthalmitis was controversial. Our laboratory is studying whether new surgical...
Jun 21 2011 | Posted In: 20/20 Blog
Clinicians must distinguish between an infectious from sterile hypopyon. In our recently published photoessay, we suggest a clinical exam test that will help. To see how, download the publication.
Jun 21 2011 | Posted In: 20/20 Blog
We recently published a paper on our experience using the Retisert implant for sympathetic ophthalmia in the Journal Ophthalmology. Implantation into the eyes of eight patients stabilized vision, provided inflammatory control, and reduced dependence on systemic immunosuppression.
| Posted In: 20/20 Blog
The Bright Focus Foundation awarded our laboratory with a grant to study inflammation molecules in Age-related Macular Degeneration.
Cytokines are important proteins that cause inflammation and bleeding in age-related macular degeneration. We are using protein analysis methods to identify cytokines...
Publications
Whole-Exome Sequencing of Patients with Posterior Segment Uveitis.,
, Am J Ophthalmol, 2020 Jul 21, (2020)
Proteomic analysis of intermediate uveitis suggests myeloid cell recruitment and implicates IL-23 as a therapeutic target.,
, Am J Ophthalmol Case Rep, 2020 Jun, Volume 18, p.100646, (2020)
Ocular hypertension after intravitreal dexamethasone (Ozurdex) sustained-release implant,
, Retina, Volume 37, p.1345–1351, (2017)
Personalized proteomics in proliferative vitreoretinopathy implicate hematopoietic cell recruitment and mTOR as a therapeutic target,
, American journal of ophthalmology, (2017)
Calpain-5 gene expression in the mouse eye and brain,
, BMC research notes, Volume 10, Number 1, p.602, (2017)
Therapeutic drug repositioning using personalized proteomics of liquid biopsies,
, JCI insight, Volume 2, (2017)
