The Discovery Eye Foundation has long researched both age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and keratoconus (KC). Recently, DEF-funded researchers have found commonalities between the two diseases that could lead to an important breakthrough in KC treatment.
Oxidative stress in cells can cause atoms to become what are known as “free radicals,” where electrons are not paired properly. Free radicals, when activated by such triggers as UV light, damaged mitochondria or eye rubbing, can cause cell decline and death. This is what happens to retina cells in the macula of patients with AMD, and in the corneal cells of those with KC. “Antioxidants,” on the other hand, fight against free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and repairing damaged cells.
“We have been studying oxidative stress for years in our research on AMD,” DEF Medical Director, Anthony Nesburn, M.D. says. “We knew that people with KC also have too many free radicals, and that the oxidative stress causes destabilization of the collagen in the cornea. But a study we are publishing shows, in addition to producing too many free radicals, people with KC also produce too few antioxidants to eliminate the harmful free radicals. Introducing more antioxidants to people with KC could help get things back into balance.”
“When we first started KC research, the only option for treatment was a corneal transplant. Some 10 years ago, corneal crosslinking (CXL), which relinks the thinned collagen fibers of the cornea to make them stronger, became a much better alternative,” Nesburn says. “But in many cases, the cornea is already very thin before CXL is applied.”
DEF researchers are looking at the possibility of creating an antioxidant eye drop that will stop the progression of KC before the cornea gets too thin, thereby eliminating the need for crosslinking or transplants down the road.
“Developing an earlier intervention for people with KC is a reality,” Nesburn says. “Thanks to DEF funding, two of our main areas of research are coming together to yield real results.”