This award will enable collaborative research between Dr. Marvin L. Sears of the Yale University School of Medicine and Dr. Eichi Yamada of Fukuoka University, Japan. They will conduct studies on the structure and function of the ocular ciliary epithelium in relation to intraocular pressure regulation. How the ocular ciliary epithelia regulates aqueous inflow into the posterior chamber of the eye will be analyzed using coordinated anatomic, physiologic, and pharmacologic techniques. Understanding the fundamentals of aqueous humor formation by the ciliary body in the eye is essential for continued progress in the treatment of glaucoma, which can cause a progressive and irreversible loss of vision. Dr. Sears has extensive experience in ocular physiology and pharmacology, while Dr. Yamada is a renowned ocular anatomist.
