Unit activities
About the unit
Public Information
Clinical ophthalmology research interests
Glaucoma:
A number of new methods for detecting and assessing glaucoma are being investigated . We are also investigating the viability and accuracy of new equipment in this field.
Current glaucoma therapeutic studies underway include:
- 'Memantine' - an oral neuroprotective agent (Allergan)
- 'Travaprost' - topical prostoglandin analogue (Alcon)
- 'Rescula' - topical prostaglandin analogue (Cibavision)
- 'Xalatan' - five year safety study for this popular topical agent (Pharmacia)
To maintain our standards for reliable data collection, we keep up to date by attending ICH-GCP courses regularly, as data protection and confidentiality are vitally important. All of the projects undertaken at the Nixey Research Unit rely on the generosity and willingness of patients to take part, in addition to external sources of funding, for which we are grateful.
Other studies we are about to embark on include:
- Intraocular corticosteroid implant study for posterior uveitis (Bausch and Lomb)
- Photodynamic therapy for age-related macular degeneration (Novartis)
- A study of trabeculectomy augmented with CAT-152 (TGFb antibody implant)
Uveitis:
Under the guidance of Professor Andrew Dick, a patient-based study of uveitis is underway, investigating a number of novel therapeutic agents and their effect on immune activity. A multicentred clinical trial of Tacrolimus versus Cyclosporin A for non-infectious posterior uveitis is in progress, with emphasis on determining their efficacy, tolerability and the cardiovascular risk associated with their use, as hypertension and hyperlipidaemia are common adverse effects of these agents. The effect of this condition on vision-related and overall quality of life is being investigated with particular focus on the impact of treatment on quality of life. We are also conducting a pilot study of a TNFa receptor fusion protein in refractory posterior uveitis.
In a study to identify a surrogate marker of immune activity in uveitis, which may help predict relapse, we are measuring CD69, an early T-cell activation marker, intracellular cytokines, and cell surface chemokine receptors by flow cytometry. This will help to elucidate the level of systemic immune activation, and may provide further insight into the pathogenesis of this disease and the place of immunomodulatory agents in treatment, through their differential effects on a variety of cytokines.