In this project, PD Dr. Tode, senior consultant, and Max Hamann, assistant professor, are researching the necessary dose of photothermal stimulation for intermediate age-related macular degeneration (iAMD). The Navilas® Laser System (OD OS, Teltow, Germany), which is equipped with an integrated eye-tracking system and digital ocular fundus imaging, is used for this purpose. The Navilas® Laser System with its thermally stimulating treatment mode is admitted and CE-certified for the treatment of AMD patients. In addition to determining the dose of photothermal stimulation, this study focuses on morphological examinations using state-of-the-art imaging methods. More information at www.macutherm.de

The aim of our research project is to identify microRNAs in the vitreous fluid during vitrectomy (vitreous excision) in patients with amotio retinae (retinal detachment) in proliferative diabetic retinopathy. This disease often occurs at the end of diabetic changes in the eye due to endothelial and retinal damage with associated membrane formation and traction amotio. Postoperatively, a distinction must be made between patients with re-amotio and those with few complications. By identifying differently regulated microRNAs, we hope to obtain an early biomarker of the prognosis of the course of the disease at the time of vitrectomy, so that this will be of clinical benefit in risk assessment and therapy.

Ophthalmological project partners: Prof. C. Framme, Ingo Volkmann, IMTTS; Cooperation partner: Prof. Dr. Dr. T. Thum, Institute of Molecular and Translational Therapy Strategies (IMTTS), MHH; Funding: MHH