CD Laboratory for Ocular and Dermal Effects of Thiomers

Thiomers are modified biopolymers, a group of substances with great potential for ophthalmology. Previous work has shown that thiomers are suitable for the treatment of dry eye. In this CD Laboratory, this potential is to be further researched, but other ophthalmological applications of thiomers will also be investigated.

Biopolymers are synthesised in the cells of living organisms and are characterised by first-class biocompatibility. Thiomers are a special form of these polymers; they carry thiol groups (-SH groups), which results in a covalent bond to mucins. Thiomers can be modified with regard to important parameters such as pH value or viscosity, which enables a wide range of applications in Medicine, especially in ophthalmology.

This laboratory conducts research into the effects these thiomers can have in ophthalmology. New methods and innovative procedures are used for this purpose, including forms of optical coherence tomography (OCT) developed at the Centre for Medicine Physics and Biomedical Engineering. These include the measurement of tear film thickness using OCT and the measurement of retinal blood flow using Doppler OCT, which were developed in the CD Laboratory for Laser Development and their application in medical technology.

A major focus of the present CD Laboratory is the effect of thiomers on the thickness of the tear film in patients with dry eye. This disease is currently difficult to treat; conventional agents to replace the tear film are quickly transported out of the eye by blinking and are only effective for a maximum of 60 minutes. Accordingly, these substances often have to be instilled in order to provide patients with relief. Thiomers form covalent bonds with the mucin layer of the body's own tear fluid, so they are effective for longer and remain on the surface of the eye for up to 24 hours.

This CD Laboratory was headed by Prof. Dr Leopold Schmetterer until 31 December 2016.