Eye Research at St. John’s Clinic
By Shachar Tauber, M.D.

During the past three years St. John's Clinic-Eye Specialists have been actively engaged in research as it pertains to helping our patients today and in the future.

With the strong support of St. John's Clinic, St. John's Health System and St. John's Foundation for Community Health, eye research has been successfully undertaken in both the laboratory and clinical arenas.

To date, 30 clinical studies have either been completed or continue to actively enroll and analyze a wide variety of clinical questions.

Our studies include new treatment options for macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, nasolacrimal duct obstruction, amblyopia therapy, glaucoma compliance, cataract surgery techniques as well as improving outcomes in LASIK and lens surgery.

Our confocal microscope, a generous gift from St. John's Foundation, allows us to see in real time all the layers of the cornea. This device, the only one in the region, has allowed us to participate in clinical research studies that would otherwise be closed to our group.

Our other research arm involves a first for St. John's. Together with Missouri State University and the Center for Applied Sciences in Jordan Valley Innovation Center, we have two major basic science or “bench research“ projects presently active.

Wendell Scott, M.D., with a grant from the St. John's Foundation for Research, is investigating the properties of a commonly used antiseptic for eye surgery. His studies are looking at the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of povidone iodine. Once this is developed, an animal eye model will be constructed. It is thought that with the proper concentration and drug delivery, this compound, presently reserved for the use immediately  prior to surgery, may indeed be utilized as an effective and inexpensive treatment to treat the many causes of ocular infections that are responsible for many cases of blindness worldwide.

Shachar Tauber, M.D., is leading a group of investigators from MSU and Case Western Reserve University in the development of electrospun nanoparticles of  type one collagen for the replacement of corneal stroma lost from infection, inflammation, trauma  or inherited diseases. Further investigation in nanatechnology have centered in the electrospinning of polymers to improve contact lens fit, quality and comfort.

Finally, designs using polymer chemistry are being investigated to enhance drug delivery into the eye.

While patient care and satisfaction remains paramount for St. John’s Clinic-Eye Specialists, the development of research has and continues to provide professional satisfaction and excitement. We look forward to the contributions of our colleagues to the world of eye care.