John R. Hetling, PhD
Associate Professor, Dept. of Bioengineering
University of Illinois at Chicago

Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness in the world (2nd after cataracts, 1st among African Americans).  Glaucoma is defined as the progressive loss of ganglion cells in the retina.  Typically, 40-60% of these cells are irreversibly lost prior to diagnosis using current gold standard methods.  Early detection, and thus earlier management of glaucoma, is correlated with better prognosis.  We are developing a novel diagnostic test for early detection of glaucoma.  The underlying technology is a Contact Lens Electrode Array, the CLEAr Lens™.  The CLEAr Lens™ records the bioelectric response of the eye to a light-flash stimulus, a technique termed multi-electrode electroretinography (meERG).  By carefully choosing the stimulus parameters, and the analysis methods applied to the measured meERG signal, the response of the ganglion cells can be targeted.  Further, the use of an array of electrodes (compared to conventional single-electrode ERG recording) provides spatial information about the health of the retina.  This spatial information is the novel aspect of the meERG approach.  This talk will describe the development of the meERG approach, from concept to commercialization effort.

Various topics important to clinical and translational researchers on the first Tuesday of the month from noon to 1pm in Room 2175 COMRB (909 S. Wolcott Avenue).

Light lunch will be provided.