Cornea
Center of Excellence
CO-DIRECTORS
Reza Dana, M.D., M.Sc., MPH
Ula V. Jurkunas, M.D.
The cornea is the eye's most powerful structure for focusing light; it also protects the rest of the eye from injuries and microbial pathogens (such as bacteria, fungi, or viruses). However, the cornea itself is susceptible to infections, inflammation, injuries, and genetic conditions that can disrupt corneal function and cause vision loss. According to the World Health Organization, corneal blindness is one of the leading causes of vision loss worldwide, and alleviating this global burden is dependent not only on elucidating disease mechanisms and improving therapeutic approaches, but also on increasing access to ophthalmic care. The Cornea Center of Excellence has made significant contributions in all of these areas; it brings together the world’s largest and most esteemed group of scientists and physicians dedicated to:
- Understanding corneal biology
- Developing treatments for corneal conditions
- Improving access to sight-saving treatments
Basic science and translational investigations are conducted in the following areas:
Image: Human corneal endothelial cells (left and middle panels) immunostained for nuclei (blue) and corneal endothelial marker ZO-1 (green). Stromal fibroblasts (right panels) were used as a negative control. From: Schmedt et al. PLoS One. 2012;7(12):e51427.