Breakthrough study into keratoconus

A study into the link between extracellular vesicles (EVs) in tears and keratoconus revealed potential pathways to new causes and treatment.

Researchers at the North Texas Eye Research Institute identified, isolated and characterised tear EVs (tEVs) in keratoconus subjects and found that they have a distinct phenotype compared to their healthy counterparts. In the study, 10 healthy subjects and nine keratoconus diagnosed patients were examined. Men with the eye disease were also found to have higher total counts of tEVs than women.

Dr. Dimitrios Karamichos, researcher and executive director of the Eye Institute, said: ‘I think this study is only the beginning of a massive, unexplored area of research in the context of keratoconus. If we can understand the role of EVs in keratoconus, we will unlock a slew of potential drug development and therapeutic options that can have a profound impact on the lives of patients who suffer from this condition.’