Research

Current Research Projects

Normative and Glaucomatous Data for Heidelberg Edge Perimeter

Principal Investigator: George Comer, O.D., M.B.A.
Co-Investigators: Mark Sawamura, O.D., and John Lee, O.D.

This study is part of a multi-center study to develop normative data for a new visual field analyzer, the Heidelberg Edge Perimeter. Data is being collected at SCCO on age-specific subjects – both normals and those with glaucoma, to provide an extensive and representative database for use by the perimeter algorithms to identify normals and compromised visual field patients.

Dry Eye Studies

Investigators: Research Fellow Daniel Krall, O.D. and Jerry Paugh, O.D., Ph.D.

In 2008 and 2009 the Center for Vision Research at SCCO will be engaged in several dry eye studies. The studies include:

Panoptx Orbital Seal Eyewear and Peri-Ocular Humidity in Dry Eye Subjects

Investigators: Robert Lee, O.D. and Jerry Paugh, O.D., Ph.D.

This study is aimed at verifying changes in peri-ocular humidity wearing Panoptx Orbital Seal eyewear and characterizing those effects on tear film parameters in dry eye sufferers using both non-invasive and traditional measures. Past studies suggest that ambient increases in temperature and humidity during 20-30 minutes of goggle wear improve several important tear parameters.

ATS 11: A Randomized Trial to Evaluate Combined Patching-Atropine Treatment for Residual Amblyopia in Children 3 to <10 Years Old

Investigators: Susan Cotter, O.D. M.S., Carmen Barnhardt, O.D., M.S., Ray Chu, O.D., M.S., Lisa Edwards, O.D., Catherine Heyman, O.D., Kristine Huang, O.D., and Susan Oh, O.D.

This study, funded by the National Eye Institute, is designed to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment of residual amblyopia in children ages 3 to <10 years with visual acuity of 20/32 to 20/63 in the amblyopic eye. The study is a randomized clinical trial comparing intensive treatment (42 hours per week of patching plus daily atropine eye drops) with a control group that will have rapid weaning of existing treatment followed by spectacle correction only (if needed). The primary objective is to determine if intensive treatment will improve visual acuity in patients with residual amblyopia. Further details can be found at http://www.nei.nih.gov/neitrials/viewStudyWeb.aspx?id=135

ATS 13: An Observational Study of Optical Correction for Strabismic Amblyopia in Children 3 to < 7 years Old

Study Chair: Susan Cotter, O.D., M.S.
Investigators: Susan Cotter, O.D., M.S., Carmen Barnhardt, O.D., M.S., Ray Chu, O.D., M.S., Lisa Edwards, O.D., Catherine Heyman, O.D., Kristine Huang, O.D., and Susan Oh, O.D.

This study is a multi-center observational study funded by the National Eye Institute. This study evaluates whether strabismic amblyopia (decreased vision in one eye due to an eye turn) will improve with treatment of glasses alone. Children are eligible to participate if they are between the ages of 3 years and less than 7 years, have an eye turn, and have never worn glasses or had previous amblyopia therapy such as patching. Further details can be found at: http://www.nei.nih.gov/neitrials/viewStudyWeb.aspx?id=139

Omega 3 Fatty Acid Supplementation in Dry Eye

Investigator: Daniel Krall, O.D.
Co-Investigator: Jerry Paugh, O.D., Ph.D.

Many clinicians believe that fatty acid supplementation is beneficial in the reduction of ocular inflammation, yet few studies have measured, for example, the ratio of serum fatty acid content and the effect of supplementation. This randomized, double-masked, placebo controlled study will endeavor to examine the effect of omega 3 intake on meibomian gland oil production and lipid layer thickness, as well as typical ocular surface signs following three months of omega 3 supplementation.

Epithelial Barrier Function and Contact Lens Solution Bio-Incompatibilities

Co-Investigators: Daniel Krall, O.D., and Jerry Paugh, O.D., Ph.D.

There is currently significant controversy regarding whether superficial, solution-induced corneal staining is a meaningful complication of modern contact lens wear. This is the third sequential study on this topic and will examine specifically whether the fluorescein dye that is used to assess corneal staining diffuses through the entire cornea. Pilot data suggests that although the control lens wear condition induces some anterior chamber dye diffusion, the amount stemming from the test material and solution is much greater, confirming the compromise of the corneal barrier function.

A Prospective Study of Central Corneal Thickness in Children Less Than 18 Years Old

Investigators: Susan Cotter, O.D., M.S., Carmen Barnhardt, O.D., M.S., Ray Chu, O.D., M.S., Lisa Edwards, O.D., Catherine Heyman, O.D., Kristine Huang, O.D., Angela Chen, O.D., M.S., Susan Oh, O.D., and Jolyn Wei, O.D.

The Pediatric Eye Disease Investigator Group (PEDIG) is conducting the Central Corneal Thickness Study, funded by the National Eye Institute. The goal is to collect information on corneal thickness in children. Information about the thickness of the cornea in children is not well known, but may be important for children with glaucoma. The study is also looking at different ways of evaluating eye pressure. This information will be useful in treating children with certain eye diseases, such as glaucoma. There will be information collected on about 2,000 children from pediatric eye care centers all over the United States. Other information can be found at: http://www.nei.nih.gov/neitrials/viewStudyWeb.aspx?id=140

Therapy for Improving Reading Performance in Children with Symptomatic Convergence Insufficiency: A Prospective Study

Investigators: Eric Borsting, O.D., M.S., Susan Cotter, O.D., M.S., Michael Rouse, O.D., M.S.Ed., Carmen Barnhardt, O.D., M.S., Ray Chu, O.D.

Convergence insufficiency (CI) is a common condition in school children and is often associated with symptoms such as frequent loss of place, loss of concentration, having to re-read, reading slowly, trouble remembering what was read, sleepiness, blurred vision, double vision, headaches, and/or eyestrain. A recently completed randomized clinical trial demonstrated that a 12–week program of office-based vergence/accommodative therapy (OBVAT) is an effective treatment for symptomatic CI in children 9 to 17 years of age. Read the press release. Read the clinical trial description.

The question that requires additional investigation is whether these changes lead to an improvement in reading performance. The proposed study is designed to provide pilot data about the association between CI and reading, attention, quality of life, and the effectiveness of OBVAT in improving reading performance of children with symptomatic CI.

Correction of Myopia Evaluation Trial 2 (COMET2)

Investigators: Susan Cotter, O.D., M.S., Carmen Barnhardt, O.D., M.S., Kristine Huang, O.D., and Catherine Heyman, O.D.

COMET is a multicenter randomized clinical trial to determine if progressive addition lenses (PALs) versus single vision lenses (SVLs) slow the progression of low myopia in children with poor accommodative responses (i.e., large accommodative lags) and near esophoria. The study is funded by the National Eye Institute; further information can be found at the NEI website http://www.nei.nih.gov/neitrials/viewStudyWeb.aspx?id=123 and the Clinical trials.gov website: http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00320593?term=PALs&rank=2.

R21 Application: Low Vision Education Planning Grant

Principal Investigator: Rebecca Kammer, O.D.

The incidence and prevalence of low vision from age-related eye diseases is increasing dramatically with the aging of the U.S. population. Because 80% of the American low vision population is over age 65, this increase has resulted in a growing need for comprehensive multidisciplinary vision rehabilitation in the health care system. This R21 application proposes to construct a novel educational intervention for optometry schools in the United States that fully prepares all graduating optometrists to offer vision rehabilitation appropriate for patients with eye disease which does not cause significant functional impact on activities of daily living (primary low vision care) and introduces all optometrists-in-training to comprehensive multi-disciplinary vision rehabilitation. The effectiveness of this educational intervention will be tested in a future R01 project with the ultimate goal of changing practice patterns and increasing vision rehabilitation services to meet increasing population needs.

Thirty–Day Study on the Effect of Overnight Corneal Reshaping on Corneal Epithelial and Total Corneal Thickness

Principal Investigator: Harue Marsden, O.D., M.S.
Co-Investigators: Long Tran, O.D. and Annie Chang, O.D.

This study will evaluate the corneal effects of overnight corneal reshaping compared to a control group. Corneal reshaping (orthokeratology) is the use of gas permeable contact lenses, while one sleeps, to reshape the eye to a less nearsighted prescription.

Multiple Rod Signaling Pathways in the Mammalian Retina

Investigators: SCCO's William Ridder, III, O.D., Ph.D., in collaboration with researchers at the Medical School, University of California, Los Angeles

Researchers are using the electroretinogram to investigate multiple pathways for rod information flow through the retina. These studies are designed to understand the visual processing in a normal retina so that appropriate test can be designed to further understand retinal disease.

Visual Discomfort and Reading

Investigators: SCCO's Eric Borsting, O.D., M.S. and William Ridder, III, O.D., Ph.D., and Claremont McKenna College's Christopher Chase, Ph.D.

This research has been funded by a grant from the National Institutes of Health to investigate possible causes of visual discomfort in college students. The research has assessed the type and frequency of visual discomfort and investigated sensory and oculomotor etiologies of discomfort symptoms. The initial results have shown that oculomotor functions are most associated with visual discomfort.

Visual Effects of Artificial Tear Supplements on Contrast Sensitivity

Investigator: William Ridder, III, O.D., Ph.D.

In industry-supported studies, the researcher has been systematically evaluating the effect (magnitude and length of time of the defect) of different artificial tears on contrast sensitivity. This research will be used in the development of various artificial tear supplements.

Investigating the Visual System of Genetically Altered Mice with Electroretinograms (ERGs) and Visual Evoked Potentials (VEPs)

Investigator: William Ridder, III, O.D., Ph.D., in collaboration with researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles

In a series of investigations, researchers have measured ERGs and VEPs in genetically altered mice (mice with conditions similar to multiple sclerosis, retinitis pigmentosa, or Leber congenital amaurosis). These studies are designed to investigate the origin of these diseases and potential treatments.

Recently Completed Research at the Southern California College of Optometry

Amblyopia Treatment Studies

Pediatric Eye Disease Investigator Group (PEDIG) Members: Susan Cotter, O.D., M.S., Carmen Barnhardt, O.D., M.S., Ray Chu, O.D., and Kristine Huang, O.D.

PEDIG Members have participated in a number of studies funded by the National Eye Institute relating to the treatment of amblyopia in children. A description of each study and a brief summary of the major results can be found at the links:

http://www.nei.nih.gov/health/amblyopia/index.asp

http://public.pedig.jaeb.org/Completed_Studies.htm

Short Term Wettability of Current Flexible Contact Lens Materials

Principal Investigator: Justin Webb, O.D., Research Fellow, 2007–08
Co-Investigator: Jerry Paugh, O.D., Ph.D.

This was an independent study carried out as part of the requirement for the Research Fellowship at SCCO.

Using several non-invasive wettability methods (e.g., pre-lens thinning time, non-invasive breakup time, interferometry for lipid and aqueous layer thickness) the wettability of current, purportedly more wettable materials was evaluated versus a wettable control material in dry eye contact lens wearers. The results are still being analyzed, but all three materials appear as wettable as a well-wetting material in the short term. What remains is to assess the end-of-day wettability of these materials to determine whether any stand out as potentially better than less wettable materials.

Opportunities to Make a Difference in Research at SCCO

It is challenging to procure some of the big ticket items required to maintain SCCO at the forefront of eye research from normal operating funds. Several opportunities exist to support the purchase of key equipment that would further research at the College. The list and supporting rationale for each can be found by clicking on the following link: Opportunities for Giving, Research.