We conduct both clinical research and laboratory based research. 

Clinical Research

Our clinical research is concerned with identifying factors that lead to glaucoma progression and contributing differences in treatment modalities.  A fundamental challenge in glaucoma care is to establish a target IOP at which the no disease progression occurs. Patients with identical diurnal IOPs may have a different rate of progression despite similar office hour exam findings. This points to unknown factors that occur outside of normally observed office hour times, i.e. at night. For this purpose, we have established databases of 24 hour IOP recordings, long-term (visit to visit) IOP trends and correlating structure and function changes in our patients. Epidemiological outcomes studies that used advanced statistical matching models complement this effort by helping compare newer, minimally invasive surgical modalities to traditional ones.

Laboratory-Based Research

Our laboratory investigates the conventional outflow system in glaucoma by 1) reverse engineering the trabecular meshwork to discover factors contributing to increased outflow resistance and by 2) investigating the distal outflow tract with vasoactive and vasogenic molecules. 

In 1), we will systematically establish factors needed for regulated outflow to occur providing insight into basic mechanisms and enable new therapies. Specifically, we use strategies to selectively ablate and to build a de novo outflow structure (trabecular meshwork) using stem cells.

For 2) we generated new tools, including a translationally relevant porcine anterior segment perfusion system, a method to quantify site-specific outflow, a full-thickness, 3D confocal microscopy of the outflow tract, and measurement of aqueous vasodilation. Using these, we discovered that OT dilation increases the outflow facility, even after TM ablation. We now aim to define factors of post-TM outflow regulation to enable new treatment strategies. 

To further translational research ideas, members of our clinical research group have opportunities to participate in laboratory-based science and vice versa. We are an international research group that welcomes applicants who either speak English or German (fluency in German is not a requirement). 

Applicants are encouraged to email their cover letter, CV, and references to loewen.nils@gmail.com.