There are approximately 50 million people in the world that are blind and will be an estimated 75 million within 20 years without intervention. There are approximately 150 million people with some sort of visual impairment. Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in the world and cataracts are responsible for approximately 20 million of those blind. These are staggering numbers, particularly when many conditions are currently either treatable or curable.

Eye Care of San Diego / California Laser Vision Inc., as a renowned research and vision care facility, has an entire team devoted to research for the preservation and restoration of sight. The focus of this research team has included advances in Corneal Transplantation, Glaucoma, ocular hypertension, infection and inflammation, ocular surface diseases (corneal ulceration, tear insufficiency / Dry Eyes), posterior membrane opacification (secondary cataract) & Contact Lenses. This list is not comprehensive but provides examples of our work.

Continued study of the eye and visual system is imperative in gaining greater understanding of the causes of disease, to develop more effective treatments and to improve the lives of those afflicted.

Eye Care of San Diego / California Laser Vision Inc. currently has the following major research projects under way:

• Corneal Transplantation
  The United States is one of very few countries whose physicians prefer younger corneal donor tissue. Combined with the significant aging of our population, it is expected that this country will experience a serious shortage of corneal donor tissue in the very near future. Since a negative correlation between age and the duration of the successful transplant has never been studied, the design of this study is to determine if this bias is founded. If you suffer from corneal disease that makes corneal transplantation imminent, please consider being included in this very important study. All corneal tissue passes rigorous testing which surpasses the standards currently used in evaluating eligible corneas, ensuring the highest quality transplantation tissue. This study is headed by Eye Care of San Diego / California Laser Vision Inc. Corneal Specialist, John E. Bokosky, MD and conducted in conjunction with the San Diego Eye Bank.

• Glaucoma / Ocular Hypertension
  As the leading cause of blindness world wide, Glaucoma continues to be a target of ongoing research. The design of this study is to combine currently available and FDA approved medication into a single drop to improve compliance and efficacy. If you are taking one or more medications for the treatment of Ocular Hypertension or Glaucoma, you may be a candidate. Participation in this study will be limited and is headed by Eye Care of San Diego / California Laser Vision Inc. Glaucoma Specialist, Neil T. Choplin, MD.





• Dry Eyes (moderate to severe)
  Dry Eyes continue to afflict approximately 14 million Americans despite the advances in artificial tears and tear drainage modification. If you have sandy / gritty irritation or burning in your eyes and these symptoms get worse as the day goes on, you may be experiencing "Dry Eyes". This study involves a ground breaking investigational medication believed to treat the causes of "Dry Eye" rather than the symptom of dryness. Eye Care of San Diego / California Laser Vision Inc. research team is currently seeking individuals suffering from moderate to severe Dry Eye symptoms. This can include patients with Sjogren's Syndrome, inflamatory Diseases (arthritis, et al) or any lacrimal dysfunction.





• Dry Eyes with Contact Lens Wear (mild to moderate)
  If you are a patient with mild to moderate dry eye symptoms causing discomfort or intolerable vision during contact lens wear, particularly later in the day and restricting your ability to wear contact lenses, you may be a candidate for this study. All contact lenses, care products and drops are provided for this study, however you must not need to wear toric (corrects astigmatism), bifocal or gas permeable contact lenses. Participation in this study will be limited and is headed by Eye Care of San Diego / California Laser Vision Inc. Contact Lens Specialist, Philip Taunton, OD.