Basic Science Research
Advancement in Ocular Biomechanics The UAB Department of Ophthalmology has emerged as a leader in this under-explored field of vision science
Top: Dr. Downs holding a 3-D printed plastic reconstruction of the connective tissues of the optic nerve head from a human donor eye. Bottom Right: Luigi Bruno, Ph.D., visiting professor from University of Calabria in Cosenza, Italy, with Massimo Fazio, Ph.D., working with the ESPI, which measures intraocular pressure-induced 3-D deformations of the posterior human sclera with nanometer precision. Bottom Left: The machine transmits those readings to a computer for further analysis. With this custom, one-of-a-kind device, scientists can compare how differences in age and race impact the eye’s response to changes in intraocular pressure.
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