Corneal blindness

Improving outcomes for patients affected by corneal diseases

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Our NSW Tissue Bank Research Groups are working on new cutting-edge diagnostic and treatment methods for corneal transplantation. We aim to prevent blindness and improve outcomes for patients affected by corneal diseases.

Research areas

Corneal bioengineering with BIENCO

The development of a bioengineered cornea alternative potentially represents a significant aid to overcome the global shortage of donor tissue.

BIENCO is a multicentre, Australian research initiative involving researchers from University of Sydney, University of Wollongong, University of Melbourne and Queensland University of Technology.

Corneal endothelial regeneration

The corneal endothelium is a single layer of cells that maintains appropriate corneal dehydration and clarity. Disruption of this layer through trauma or disease can result in cloudiness of the cornea and reduced vision.

Currently, endothelial corneal disease remains the most common indication for corneal transplantation in Australia representing a significant concern. Originally it was thought that these cells do not replicate, and the only option for visual rehabilitation was by replacement through transplantation.

Recent advances have shown that this is incorrect, and the endothelium can replicate in specific conditions and pharmacological treatments can be administered to encourage healing of this vital layer. In the last five years, our group has made significant progress in growing human corneal endothelial cells (hCEC) in the laboratory setting.

  • Improving cell mobility, adhesion and growth using ROC inhibitors
  • Improving cell culture techniques using melanocyte stimulating hormone
  • Development of thickened organ culture solution to allow cell injection therapies 
  • Enhancing the growth and longevity of human corneal endothelial cells using human platelet lysate solution 
  • New Zealand Health Research Council grant to develop cornea cell transplants in human with Dr Sheng Chiong Hong

Contact us

Mailing address
South Block, Sydney Eye Hospital
8 Macquarie Street
Sydney, NSW 2000