Shuliang Jiao, Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering, and his work on a new retinal imaging technology was recently featured by prominent medical journals “Medical News” and the “Review of Ophthalmology.”
Using optical coherence tomography (OCT), Jiao and a team of researchers from the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute created a technology that images the light-sensitive protein rhodopsin in the photoreceptors of the retina. Existing OCT technology does not allow physicians to determine the functionality of retinal cells. By focusing on imaging the rhodopsin protein, physicians will now be able to confirm if a photoreceptor is functioning properly or not. This research will change the way retinal disorders are diagnosed and treated.
The long term goal of Jiao’s research is to help prevent and cure blindness through technological innovations such as the one developed with Bascom Palmer. According to NEI, blindness or low vision affects 3.3 million Americans age 40 and over and it is projected to reach 5.5 million by the year 2020. In the U.S., most types of blindness and low vision are related to retinal diseases. Jiao and his Ophthalmic Imaging Lab at Florida International University have dedicated their research to the development of novel optical technologies for 3D high resolution imaging of the anatomy and functions of the eye in vivo.
Congratulations Dr. Jiao!
To read the articles in full, please visit:
Medical News
A Clearer Picture: Imaging Rhodopsin Could Shed Light on Retinal Disorders
http://medicalnewsinc.com/clinical/article/20359500/imaging-rhodopsin-could-shed-light-on-retinal-disorders-in-joint-project-between-bascom-palmer-eye-institute-and-florida-international-university
Review of Ophthalmology
BPEI/FIU Collaboration May Offer Next-Generation OCT
http://reviewofophthalmology.com/content/t/imaging_and_diagnostic_instruments/c/57369/
Breaking New Ground With OCT Technology
http://reviewofophthalmology.com/content/d/technology_update/i/3527/c/58856
“Depth-resolved rhodopsin molecular contrast imaging for functional assessment of photoreceptors” in Scientific Reports, Article #: 13992, Published Sept. 11, 2015
http://nature.com/articles/srep13992