Research Units
There are three research units based at the School: the Down's Syndrome Vision Research Unit and the Contact Lens and Anterior Eye Research Unit (CLAER). The School is also involved with Cardiff Institute of Tissue Engineering and Repair, (CITER).
The Contact Lens and Anterior Eye Research Unit (CLAER) is involved in clinically-related research in corneal function, tear-film physiology and contact lenses. A better knowledge of the interaction between the cornea and the tear-film is vital in understanding the aetiology and treatment of dry-eye, and for successful contact lens wear.
Children with Down’s syndrome are much more likely than ordinary children to have eye and vision problems, and the research unit has been studying visual development in children with Down’s syndrome since 1992.
Macular disease is the leading cause of visual impairment in the developed world and currently affects about 500,000 people in the UK. The Macular Disease Study Group evaluates new methods of detecting, monitoring and treating this condition.
Nystagmus is a constant involuntary movement of the eyes. The fact that the eyes are constantly moving can have a deleterious effect on vision. The field of research into nystagmus...