Joseph B. Ciolino,
MD
Massachusetts Eye and Ear
Henry Freeman Allen Cornea Scholar
Harvard Medical School
Associate Professor of Ophthalmology
joseph_ciolino@meei.harvard.edu
For investigator inquiries only
About My Research
Center/Research Area Affiliations
Biography
Dr. Ciolino is a clinician scientist who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of corneal diseases. His research aims to develop and test a drug-eluting contact lens for the treatment of eye diseases. Specifically, he plans to carry out proof-of-concept studies to demonstrate the functionality and safety of this drug-eluting contact lens, advancing toward the goal of treating glaucoma, eye infections, and ocular inflammation in patients. He is currently working to bring a dexamethasone-eluting contact lens and a latanoprost-eluting contact lens closer to first tests in human subjects.
Education
1994-1998: BS, Economics, Boston College
1998-2002: MD, Medicine, Georgetown University School of Medicine
Postgraduate Training
2002-2003: Internship, Internal Medicine, Brown Medical School
2003-2004: Research Fellowship, Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear
2004-2007: Residency, Ophthalmology, Albany Medical College
2007-2009: Clinical Fellowship, Cornea and External Disease, Massachusetts Eye and Ear
Academic Appointments
2007-present: Research Affiliate, Health Science and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
2009-2012: Instructor, Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School
2012-present: Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School
Professional Memberships
2004-present: Member, Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology
2004-present: Member, American Academy of Ophthalmology
Honors
2005, Best Scientific Paper Fellow Award, Cornea Federated Society
2006: Robert D. Reinecke Research Award, Albany Medical College
2007: Annual House Staff Research Award, Albany Medical College
2009: MIT 100K Finalist, Winner of Life-Sciences Track, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
2009: Dohlman Cornea Fellow Award, Dohlman Society
Publications powered by Harvard Catalyst Profiles
- Long-Term Outcomes of 6-Week Treatment of Lotilaner Ophthalmic Solution, 0.25%, for Demodex Blepharitis: A Noninterventional Extension Study. Cornea. 2024 Feb 09.
- Bilastine 0.6% preservative-free eye drops, an effective once-daily treatment to reduce signs and symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis: A pooled analysis of two randomized clinical trials. J Investig Allergol Clin Immunol. 2023 Sep 21; 0.
- Is blue light a red herring in a rodent model of computer vision syndrome? Pain. 2023 Jul 01; 164(7):1640.
- Lotilaner Ophthalmic Solution 0.25% for Demodex Blepharitis: Randomized, Vehicle-Controlled, Multicenter, Phase 3 Trial (Saturn-2). Ophthalmology. 2023 10; 130(10):1015-1023.
- Efficacy and Safety of a Water-Free Topical Cyclosporine, 0.1%, Solution for the Treatment of Moderate to Severe Dry Eye Disease: The ESSENCE-2 Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Ophthalmol. 2023 05 01; 141(5):459-466.
- Recurrent keratoconus: an analysis of breaks in Bowman's layer in corneal grafts. BMJ Open Ophthalmol. 2023 04; 8(1).
- Bilastine 0.6% preservative-free eye drops, a once-daily treatment for allergic conjunctivitis. J Investig Allergol Clin Immunol. 2023 Feb 21; 0.
- Prospective, Randomized, Multicenter, Double-Masked, Clinical Trial of Corneal Cross-Linking for Boston Keratoprosthesis Carrier Tissue. Am J Ophthalmol. 2023 05; 249:39-48.
- 2021 Survey of Keratoplasty Postoperative Steroid Management. Cornea. 2023 Oct 01; 42(10):1268-1273.
- Topical Sustained Delivery of Miltefosine Via Drug-Eluting Contact Lenses to Treat Acanthamoeba Keratitis. Pharmaceutics. 2022 Dec 08; 14(12).
- Recurrent Keratoconus: Corneal Transplants for Keratoconus Develop Tomographic Ectatic Changes. Cornea. 2023 Jun 01; 42(6):708-713.
- Doxorubicin-Loaded Extracellular Vesicles Enhance Tumor Cell Death in Retinoblastoma. Bioengineering (Basel). 2022 Nov 10; 9(11).
- Incidence and risk factors for glaucoma development and progression after corneal transplantation. Eye (Lond). 2023 07; 37(10):2117-2125.
- Advances in biomaterials for the treatment of retinoblastoma. Biomater Sci. 2022 Sep 27; 10(19):5391-5429.
- Extracellular Vesicles in Corneal Fibrosis/Scarring. Int J Mol Sci. 2022 May 25; 23(11).
- Bevacizumab in High-Risk Corneal Transplantation: A Pilot Multicenter Prospective Randomized Control Trial. Ophthalmology. 2022 08; 129(8):865-879.
- Bibliometric and visualized analysis of ocular drug delivery from 2001 to 2020. J Control Release. 2022 05; 345:625-645.
- Extracellular Vesicles Secreted by Corneal Myofibroblasts Promote Corneal Epithelial Cell Migration. Int J Mol Sci. 2022 Mar 15; 23(6).
- Efficacy of Once-Daily Ophthalmic Bilastine for the Treatment of Allergic Conjunctivitis: A Dose-Finding Study. J Investig Allergol Clin Immunol. 2023 Jul 27; 33(4):271-280.
- Effect of Autologous Serum Eye Drops on Corneal Haze after Corneal Cross-linking. Optom Vis Sci. 2022 02 01; 99(2):95-100.
- FAK Inhibition Attenuates Corneal Fibroblast Differentiation In Vitro. Biomolecules. 2021 11 12; 11(11).
- A novel, sensitive, and widely accessible besifloxacin quantification method by HPLC-fluorescence: Application to an ocular pharmacokinetic study. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci. 2021 Nov 15; 1185:123010.
- A Water-free 0.1% Cyclosporine A Solution for Treatment of Dry Eye Disease: Results of the Randomized Phase 2B/3 ESSENCE Study. Cornea. 2021 Oct 01; 40(10):1290-1297.
- Dexamethasone-Eluting Contact Lens for the Prevention of Postphotorefractive Keratectomy Scar in a New Zealand White Rabbit Model. Cornea. 2021 Sep 01; 40(9):1175-1180.
- The Prevalence of Autoimmune Diseases in Patients with Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma Undergoing Ophthalmic Surgeries. Ophthalmol Glaucoma. 2022 Mar-Apr; 5(2):128-136.
- Toxic Keratoconjunctivitis from Coral Reef. Case Rep Ophthalmol. 2021 May-Aug; 12(2):694-698.
- Extracellular Vesicles in the Cornea: Insights from Other Tissues. Anal Cell Pathol (Amst). 2021; 2021:9983900.
- CLEAR - Contact lens technologies of the future. Cont Lens Anterior Eye. 2021 Apr; 44(2):398-430.
- One-Year Clinical Outcomes of Preloaded Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty Versus Non-Preloaded Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty. Cornea. 2021 Mar 01; 40(3):311-319.
- Nerve Growth Factor as an Ocular Therapy: Applications, Challenges, and Future Directions. Semin Ophthalmol. 2021 May 19; 36(4):224-231.
- Penetrating keratoplasty using collagen crosslinked donor tissue: A case report. Am J Ophthalmol Case Rep. 2021 Jun; 22:101039.
- Potential of Application of Iron Chelating Agents in Ophthalmic Diseases. Semin Ophthalmol. 2021 May 19; 36(4):157-161.
- A Cluster of Corneal Donor Rim Cultures Positive for Achromobacter Species Associated With Contaminated Eye Solution. Cornea. 2021 Feb 01; 40(2):223-227.
- Methods for Investigating Corneal Cell Interactions and Extracellular Vesicles In Vitro. Curr Protoc Cell Biol. 2020 12; 89(1):e114.
- A randomized, sham-controlled trial of intraductal meibomian gland probing with or without topical antibiotic/steroid for obstructive meibomian gland dysfunction. Ocul Surf. 2020 10; 18(4):852-856.
- Steroid-eluting contact lenses for corneal and intraocular inflammation. Acta Biomater. 2020 10 15; 116:149-161.
- Extracellular Vesicles Secreted by Corneal Epithelial Cells Promote Myofibroblast Differentiation. Cells. 2020 04 26; 9(5).
- Keratoconus progression associated with hormone replacement therapy. Am J Ophthalmol Case Rep. 2019 Sep; 15:100519.
- Topical sustained drug delivery to the retina with a drug-eluting contact lens. Biomaterials. 2019 10; 217:119285.
- Oral guaifenesin for treatment of filamentary keratitis: A pilot study. Ocul Surf. 2019 07; 17(3):565-570.
- A Clinical Phase II Study to Assess Efficacy, Safety, and Tolerability of Waterfree Cyclosporine Formulation for Treatment of Dry Eye Disease. Ophthalmology. 2019 06; 126(6):792-800.
- Innovative Development of Contact Lenses. Cornea. 2018 Nov; 37 Suppl 1:S94-S98.
- Transepithelial versus epithelium-off corneal crosslinking for corneal ectasia. J Cataract Refract Surg. 2018 Dec; 44(12):1507-1516.
- Resolution of fluoroquinolone-resistant Escherichia coli keratitis with a PROSE device for enhanced targeted antibiotic delivery. Am J Ophthalmol Case Rep. 2018 Dec; 12:73-75.
- Corneal Cross-Linking With Verteporfin and Nonthermal Laser Therapy. Cornea. 2018 Mar; 37(3):362-368.
- Brimonidine Ophthalmic Solution 0.025% for Reduction of Ocular Redness: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Optom Vis Sci. 2018 03; 95(3):264-271.
- Chemical Burns of the Eye: The Role of Retinal Injury and New Therapeutic Possibilities. Cornea. 2018 Feb; 37(2):248-251.
- Outcomes of Boston keratoprosthesis type 1 reimplantation: multicentre study results. Can J Ophthalmol. 2018 06; 53(3):284-290.
- Evaluation of a new artificial tear formulation for the management of tear film stability and visual function in patients with dry eye. Clin Ophthalmol. 2017; 11:1883-1889.
- TFOS DEWS II Clinical Trial Design Report. Ocul Surf. 2017 07; 15(3):629-649.
- Ex Vivo Study of Transepithelial Corneal Cross-linking. J Refract Surg. 2017 Mar 01; 33(3):171-177.
- Novel Glaucoma Drug Delivery Devices. Int Ophthalmol Clin. 2017; 57(4):57-71.
- Corneal Resistance to Keratolysis After Collagen Crosslinking With Rose Bengal and Green Light. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2016 12 01; 57(15):6610-6614.
- Novel Phagocytosis-Resistant Extended-Spectrum ß-Lactamase-Producing Escherichia coli From Keratitis. JAMA Ophthalmol. 2016 Nov 01; 134(11):1306-1309.
- Latanoprost-Eluting Contact Lenses in Glaucomatous Monkeys. Ophthalmology. 2016 10; 123(10):2085-92.
- A Clinical Trial Comparing the Safety and Efficacy of Topical Tacrolimus versus Methylprednisolone in Ocular Graft-versus-Host Disease. Ophthalmology. 2016 07; 123(7):1449-57.
- Revolutionary Future Uses of Contact Lenses. Optom Vis Sci. 2016 Apr; 93(4):325-7.
- Visual Acuity Outcomes of the Boston Keratoprosthesis Type 1: Multicenter Study Results. Am J Ophthalmol. 2016 Feb; 162:89-98.e1.
- Objective surgical assessments for residents and experienced surgeons in the Yelp Era. J Cataract Refract Surg. 2015 Nov; 41(11):2593-5.
- Protective effect of soft contact lenses after Boston keratoprosthesis. Br J Ophthalmol. 2016 Apr; 100(4):549-52.
- Pivotal clinical trials of novel ophthalmic drugs and medical devices: retrospective observational study, 2002-2012. BMJ Open. 2015 Jun 04; 5(6):e007987.
- Effect of alcaftadine 0.25% on ocular itch associated with seasonal or perennial allergic conjunctivitis: a pooled analysis of two multicenter randomized clinical trials. Clin Ophthalmol. 2015; 9:765-72.
- Retinal implants and Medicare reimbursement policies for breakthrough treatments in ophthalmology. JAMA Ophthalmol. 2015 Apr; 133(4):373-4.
- High-irradiance CXL combined with myopic LASIK: flap and residual stroma biomechanical properties studied ex-vivo. Br J Ophthalmol. 2015 Jun; 99(6):870-4.
- An evaluation of Retaine™ ophthalmic emulsion in the management of tear film stability and ocular surface staining in patients diagnosed with dry eye. Clin Ophthalmol. 2015; 9:235-43.
- Collagen cross-linking of the Boston keratoprosthesis donor carrier to prevent corneal melting in high-risk patients. Eye Contact Lens. 2014 Nov; 40(6):376-81.
- Clinicians' perspectives on the use of drug-eluting contact lenses for the treatment of glaucoma. Ther Deliv. 2014 Oct; 5(10):1077-83.
- Ocular itch relief with alcaftadine 0.25% versus olopatadine 0.2% in allergic conjunctivitis: pooled analysis of two multicenter randomized clinical trials. Adv Ther. 2014 Oct; 31(10):1059-71.
- UV cross-linking of donor corneas confers resistance to keratolysis. Cornea. 2014 Sep; 33(9):955-9.
- Corneal allograft reaction associated with nonocular inflammation. Digit J Ophthalmol. 2014; 20(2):29-31.
- Reliable intraocular pressure measurement using automated radio-wave telemetry. Clin Ophthalmol. 2014; 8:177-85.
- The TFOS International Workshop on Contact Lens Discomfort: report of the management and therapy subcommittee. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2013 Oct 18; 54(11):TFOS183-203.
- The TFOS International Workshop on Contact Lens Discomfort: executive summary. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2013 Oct 18; 54(11):TFOS7-TFOS13.
- In vivo performance of a drug-eluting contact lens to treat glaucoma for a month. Biomaterials. 2014 Jan; 35(1):432-9.
- Topical drug formulations for prolonged corneal anesthesia. Cornea. 2013 Jul; 32(7):1040-5.
- A multicenter evaluation of the efficacy and duration of action of alcaftadine 0.25% and olopatadine 0.2% in the conjunctival allergen challenge model. J Asthma Allergy. 2013; 6:43-52.
- Retention of the Boston keratoprosthesis type 1: multicenter study results. Ophthalmology. 2013 Jun; 120(6):1195-200.
- Safety and efficacy of the multitargeted receptor kinase inhibitor pazopanib in the treatment of corneal neovascularization. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2013 Jan 17; 54(1):537-44.
- Risk factors for the development of retroprosthetic membranes with Boston keratoprosthesis type 1: multicenter study results. Ophthalmology. 2012 May; 119(5):951-5.
- A prototype antifungal contact lens. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2011 Aug 09; 52(9):6286-91.
- Inflammation and the nervous system: the connection in the cornea in patients with infectious keratitis. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2011 Jul 11; 52(8):5136-43.
- Titanium back plate for a PMMA keratoprosthesis: clinical outcomes. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2011 Oct; 249(10):1515-8.
- Cost-effectiveness of the Boston keratoprosthesis. Am J Ophthalmol. 2010 Feb; 149(2):221-228.e2.
- Ocular manifestations of long-term mascara use. Ophthalmic Plast Reconstr Surg. 2009 Jul-Aug; 25(4):339-41.
- Contact lenses for drug delivery. Semin Ophthalmol. 2009 May-Jun; 24(3):156-60.
- A drug-eluting contact lens. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2009 Jul; 50(7):3346-52.
- Biologic keratoprosthesis materials. Int Ophthalmol Clin. 2009; 49(1):1-9.
- Intrasubject corneal thickness asymmetry. J Refract Surg. 2008 06; 24(6):606-9.
- Comparison of corneal thickness measurements by ultrasound and scheimpflug photography in eyes that have undergone laser in situ keratomileusis. Am J Ophthalmol. 2008 Jan; 145(1):75-80.
- Long-term stability of the posterior cornea after laser in situ keratomileusis. J Cataract Refract Surg. 2007 Aug; 33(8):1366-70.
- Changes in the posterior cornea after laser in situ keratomileusis and photorefractive keratectomy. J Cataract Refract Surg. 2006 Sep; 32(9):1426-31.
- Results from the multicenter Boston Type 1 Keratoprosthesis Study. Ophthalmology. 2006 Oct; 113(10):1779.e1-7.
- Objective Assessment of Skills in Intraocular Surgery (OASIS). Ophthalmology. 2005 Jul; 112(7):1236-41.
- Complete optic nerve avulsion associated with a basketball injury. Med Health R I. 2003 Oct; 86(10):324-5.
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