Latest Fox Center Research Efforts
The Louis J. Fox Center for Vision Restoration (Fox Center) of UPMC and the University of 
Pittsburgh McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine is the first national, comprehensive, multi-disciplinary research and clinical program dedicated to ocular regenerative medicine. The Fox Center focuses on the restoration of sight through tissue regeneration, transplantation, and technology. Fox Center affiliates optimize quality of life for those challenged by vision loss and insure that individuals and their loved ones know they are not alone in addressing this challenge. Fox Center researchers seek to maximize participation in work, community, and society for those who lose their sight for any reason. Finally, their goal is to educate the sighted community on the prevalence of vision loss in America and around the world.
Against the backdrop of a rich research environment provided by the University of Pittsburgh and UPMC, the Fox Center has the capability of making a critical impact on research and patient care practices. Fox Center scientists work to improve the lives of people throughout the nation and around the world. Several recent publications by Fox Center researchers include:
Three-dimensional spectral-domain optical coherence tomography data analysis for glaucoma detection.
Xu J, Ishikawa H, Wollstein G, Bilonick RA, Folio LS, Nadler Z, Kagemann L, Schuman JS.
Purpose: To develop a new three-dimensional (3D) spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) data analysis method using a machine learning technique based on variable-size super pixel segmentation that efficiently utilizes full 3D dataset to improve the discrimination between early glaucomatous and healthy eyes.
PLoS One. 2013;8(2):e55476. Epub 2013 Feb 11.
Acanthamoeba keratitis associated with tap water use during contact lens cleaning: manufacturer guidelines need to change.
Legarreta JE, Nau AC, Dhaliwal DK.
Abstract: Contact lens-associated Acanthamoeba keratitis continues to be a significant cause of visual morbidity in the United States. Although exposure to water sources while wearing lenses has been a known risk factor for infection for decades, this behavior in several contact lens hygiene protocols continues to prevail. In this review, we surveyed the currently available contact lens cleaning solutions for both soft and rigid gas-permeable contact lenses and reviewed the cleaning instructions of the available solutions. Discrepancies between clinician recommendations and written instructions on a solution packages continues to persist, and we advocate a revision in current manufacturer guidelines to include explicit warnings against use of tap or distilled water sources for cleaning contact lenses or their storage cases.
Eye Contact Lens. 2013 Mar;39(2):158-61.
Cystoid macular edema in retinitis pigmentosa patients without associated macular thickening.
Gorovoy IR, Gallagher DS, Eller AW, Mayercik VA, Friberg TR, Schuman JS.
Purpose: To describe the occurrence of cystoid macular edema (CME) in the setting of central foveal thickness (CFT) under 250 μm as measured by optical coherence tomography (OCT) in patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Methods: Stratus OCT was used to measure CFT in a total of 90 eyes from 46 patients with RP. Cross-sectional OCT images were also evaluated for CME, which was defined as cystoid changes in the macula seen on at least two linear scans. Results: CME was identified in 13 of the 46 patients or in 22 of 90 eyes by OCT. In eyes with macular edema, CFT ranged from 224 to 718 μm (mean = 339 ± 137 μm). In eyes without macular edema, CFT ranged from 99 to 273 μm (mean = 184 ± 40 μm). Bilateral CME occurred in 9 of 13 patients (69%). CFT was considered “normal” in 7 of the 22 eyes (32%) with CME. Two patients had bilateral CME with normal CFTs, under 250 μm. Conclusion: We demonstrate the occurrence of CME in RP patients without associated thickening, which has not been described. This concept likely is applicable to other diseases with retinal thinning.
Seminars in Ophthalmology. 2013 Mar;28(2):79-83.
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