Infectious and Inflammatory Ocular Diseases; Sjögren's Syndrome Studies; corneal ulceration in South India
In addition to the projects listed above for Dr. Tom Lietman's mentoring desciption, we also have clinical trials in corneal ulcer prevention and treatment, in conjunction with the Aravind Eye Hospital in Madurai, South India. Corneal ulcers are now recognized as the fourth leading cause of blindness worldwide. We have preliminary data suggesting that their incidence can be drastically reduced with village-level identification and treatment of traumatic corneal abrasions. We are currently setting up a large study testing the role of steroids in the acute treatment of infectious bacterial corneal ulcers. These studies offer preliminary data for BCSDP trainees to design their own studies. Contacts, laboratories, transport, etc. have already been worked out for projects in Ethiopia, Nepal, and India, allowing post-doctoral fellows to concentrate on the research itself.
