Preventing retinopathy of prematurity
A promising investigation is underway on a method to prevent retinopathy of prematurity, a disease that occurs in many premature babies that can lead to blindness. Currently, laser surgery is the only hope for babies born with this condition, and surgery is not always successful in resolving it. Researchers at Children's have shown in animal models that doses of growth factor can prevent ROP. Más información about this groundbreaking research.
New methods for early detection of misaligned eyes
Sometimes when a child's eyes cross, the problem is obvious. Other times, when the eye alignment is only slightly off, strabismus can go undetected because it is difficult for pediatricians to detect small angles of misalignment. Yet if the misalignment goes undetected, the brain doesn't learn how to see properly from the misaligned eye and a child can develop subnormal vision, a condition known as amblyopia (lazy eye). It is estimated that up to 500,000 preschool children with this condition remain undiagnosed and untreated. In these difficult to detect cases, new methods for early detection are essential.
Researchers at Children's have developed remote sensing scanners that can screen children as young as 2-years old, and detect even slight misalignment of the eyes. Perfecting this technology will allow pediatricians across the country to perform a quick screening exam while the child, unaware of testing, gazes at a winking smiley face for a few moments.
Genetic testing for congenital fibrosis and Duane Syndrome
Congenital fibrosis and Duane syndrome are particularly devastating forms of strabismus in which several or all the eye muscles malfunction, causing profound misalignment. Surgery to correct the condition often fails. Researchers at Children's Hospital have identified several of the genes mutated in these disorders. Clinical trials are being planned to advance the understanding of these genes. Using powerful MRI scanners, researchers are also developing an orbital imaging center to map the pathway of nerve to muscle. For more information about these studies and how to participate, see Engle Laboratory.
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