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Corneal nerves in health and diabetes: from young children to young adults

Year:
2022
Duration:
48 months
Approved budget:
$598,454.00
Researchers:
Dr Stuti Misra
,
Professor Charles McGhee ONZM
,
Associate Professor Geoff Braatvedt
,
Dr Monika Pradhan
,
Associate Professor Craig Jefferies
,
Professor Paul Hofman
Health issue:
Diabetes
Proposal type:
Sir Charles Hercus Fellowship
Lay summary
I have seven years of research experience and currently I am a senior lecturer (above the bar/SL7) at the Department of Ophthalmology, University of Auckland. My intent is to be a specialist in corneal innervation and ocular surface disease in systemic diseases, such as diabetes. Importantly, diabetes has immeasurable effects on a child’s physical health, mental health, and financial wellbeing, largely due to delayed diagnosis of debilitating irreversible diabetic complications. My research programme aims to understand corneal nerve microstructure in children, adolescents and young adults, with and without diabetes, using in vivo confocal microscopy of the cornea. This will help us in diagnosing and monitoring the disease using an alternate pathway in a young population for early detection, so that timely treatment can be administered. These children will therefore be able to lead healthier and more independent lives.