The cornea is a principal refractive element in the eye; corneal transparency and corneal shape determine its optical qualities. Corneal epithelial edema, stromal edema and corneal shape anomalies can independently or collectively degrade visual performance in the form of increased internal light scatter and optical aberrations due to irregular astigmatism. The central theme of this research proposal is the refinement and application of a mathematical model that integrates the thermodynamic description of corneal epithelial, stromal and endothelial transport properties into a model of corneal hydration control. This is combined with methods to classify shape anomalies and means to assess the optical quality of the corneal surface through the analysis of corneal topography. ? ? This investigation will involve both an in vitro model and mathematical models, as well as direct applications to human clinical data, in the following specific aims: 1) Use adaptations of the Klyce and Russell model for corneal hydration dynamics to understand the corneal response to epithelial trauma that evokes the early inflammatory response signaled by transient edema. 2) Refine artificial intelligence methods for the classification and interpretation of corneal topography and ocular wavefront data with emphasis on a device-independent approach. 3) Determine and evaluate numerical constructs to evaluate corneal surface optical quality and ocular wavefront data as they relate to visual acuity in patients. ? ? The long-term goal of this project is to integrate corneal metabolic and structural features into a comprehensive model. With this model and the proposed development of new methods for improved and more accurate assessment of the optical performance of the human eye, further progress toward the objective evaluation of the safety and efficacy of current and developing refractive surgical procedures and contact lenses can be obtained.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Eye Institute (NEI)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01EY003311-24
Application #
6608089
Study Section
Visual Sciences A Study Section (VISA)
Program Officer
Fisher, Richard S
Project Start
1979-07-01
Project End
2006-06-30
Budget Start
2003-07-01
Budget End
2004-06-30
Support Year
24
Fiscal Year
2003
Total Cost
$315,720
Indirect Cost
Name
Louisiana State University Hsc New Orleans
Department
Ophthalmology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
782627814
City
New Orleans
State
LA
Country
United States
Zip Code
70112
Smolek, Michael K; Klyce, Stephen D (2007) Absolute color scale for improved diagnostics with wavefront error mapping. Ophthalmology 114:2022-30
Tabernero, Juan; Klyce, Stephen D; Sarver, Edwin J et al. (2007) Functional optical zone of the cornea. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 48:1053-60
Klyce, Stephen D; Karon, Michael D; Smolek, Michael K (2005) Screening patients with the corneal navigator. J Refract Surg 21:S617-22
Smolek, Michael K; Klyce, Stephen D (2005) Goodness-of-prediction of Zernike polynomial fitting to corneal surfaces. J Cataract Refract Surg 31:2350-5
Klyce, Stephen D; Karon, Michael D; Smolek, Michael K (2004) Advantages and disadvantages of the Zernike expansion for representing wave aberration of the normal and aberrated eye. J Refract Surg 20:S537-41
Courville, C B; Smolek, M K; Klyce, S D (2004) Contribution of the ocular surface to visual optics. Exp Eye Res 78:417-25
Klyce, Stephen D (2004) Night vision after LASIK: the pupil proclaims innocence. Ophthalmology 111:1-2
Goto, Tomoko; Zheng, Xiaodong; Klyce, Stephen D et al. (2004) Evaluation of the tear film stability after laser in situ keratomileusis using the tear film stability analysis system. Am J Ophthalmol 137:116-20
Ruberti, Jeffrey W; Klyce, Stephen D (2003) NaCl osmotic perturbation can modulate hydration control in rabbit cornea. Exp Eye Res 76:349-59
Ambrosio Jr, Renato; Klyce, Stephen D; Wilson, Steven E (2003) Corneal topographic and pachymetric screening of keratorefractive patients. J Refract Surg 19:24-9

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