Transforming Vision: Wayne State University Research Tackles the Impact of Diabetes on Eye Health

DETROIT — Wayne State University has received a $2.33 million grant from the National Eye Institute of the National Institutes of Health. This funding will aid research aimed at improving vision and eye health for people with diabetes.

The project is led by Elizabeth Berger, Ph.D., an associate professor in the School of Medicine. Dr. Berger is exploring how diabetes can harm the eyes, specifically looking at previously overlooked issues, like corneal nerve damage. Many people think diabetes mainly causes diabetic retinopathy, but complications like these can also lead to vision loss and slow healing.

Dr. Berger explains, “Currently, options for treating corneal issues in diabetes are very limited. We want to move beyond just managing blood sugar levels to target the cell damage happening in the eyes.”

Her research combines two peptides—thymosin beta 4 (Tβ4) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)—to tackle inflammation and nerve problems. She believes this combined treatment can help protect the cornea from damage caused by high glucose levels.

As diabetes cases are expected to rise dramatically, the need for effective treatments is urgent. Dr. Berger emphasizes that this study will lay the groundwork for future clinical trials and enhance our understanding of diabetes’s impact on the eyes. If successful, it could significantly improve life for millions affected by diabetes.

Dr. Ezemenari M. Obasi, vice president for research and innovation at Wayne State, highlights the potential of this research: “Dr. Berger’s work could change outcomes for patients dealing with diabetes-related vision problems.”

Statistics are alarming: according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 8 million adults in the U.S. have diabetic eye disease, and this number is expected to rise as diabetes becomes more common. Early intervention and innovative solutions like these could be crucial for many individuals.

With the ongoing research at Wayne State, the hope is to open doors to new therapies that enhance vision and restore quality of life for those affected by diabetes.

For more insights on diabetes and eye health, you can visit CDC’s diabetes and eye health page.

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