Division of Eye and Vision
The Division of Eye and vision which is located at St. Erik Eye Hospital, conducts education at the undergraduate, advanced and postgraduate levels, as well as research with the aim of developing the eye care of the future.
Menu for this area
Clinical training clinic
KUM-Ö
Endophthalmitis after cataract surgery and effect of different intracameral antibiotic regimes in Sweden 2011-2017: national registry study
Purpose: To study the incidence, predictive factors, etiology, and visual consequences of postoperative endophthalmitis (PE) in relation to 3 intracameral (IC) antibiotic regimes.
Setting: Swedish National Cataract Register entries from 2011 through 2017.
Identifying potential key metabolic pathways and biomarkers in glaucoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis
This study underscores the central role of metabolic dysfunction in POAG, highlighting specific metabolites and pathways that could serve as biomarkers for early diagnosis and therapeutic intervention. Future research should prioritise longitudinal studies and untargeted metabolomic profiling to further deepen our understanding of metabolic changes and their contributions to glaucoma progression.
Excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitter alterations with advancing age and injury in the mouse retina
The changes detected here support an alteration/decrease of glutamate and GABA signaling with aging, as well as in pre-apoptotic, functionally impaired, but fully recoverable RGCs following IOP injury. Reduction of GABA after IOP injury points towards a loss of inhibitory neurotransmission in the retina, which possibly is compensated in the young mice by increasing GABA-mimetics in the retina.
Evaluation of the repeatability of corneal epithelial thickness mapping in healthy and keratoconic eyes with two spectral domain optical coherence tomography
Both OCTs showed good epithelial thickness measurement repeatability in all groups, though the repeatability of the HS-100 was mildly lower for keratoconic eyes. Contact lens use and crosslinking history did not affect repeatability. These OCTs effectively measure epithelial thickness in keratoconus patients, which could be helpful in monitoring keratoconus progression.
Increasing Incidence of Posterior Uveal Melanoma in Scandinavia 1960–2022: A Tri-National Study
The incidence of posterior uveal melanoma in Scandinavia has increased over the past six decades, with a linear trend that is independent of changes in tumor size or patient age at diagnosis. A deeper understanding of the underlying risk factors and evolving diagnostic practices is essential to inform public health initiatives, enhance early detection, distinguish melanomas from benign counterparts, and optimize management strategies for uveal melanoma.
Nationwide analysis of sex differences in waiting times for cataract surgery in Sweden between 2010 and 2022
We observe a persistent, albeit small, difference in waiting times favoring males. These findings highlight a systemic disparity that warrants further investigation and targeted interventions to ensure equitable access to cataract care.
Metabolic Dysfunction in Glaucoma: From Bench to Bedside (and Back Again)
Although IOP lowering is still the mainstay of glaucoma management, it is promising to see a wealth of new research and resources for patient diagnosis and stratification, glaucoma biomarkers, and novel neuroprotective therapies on the horizon. Work in other fields, especially in other neurologic and ophthalmic diseases, is informative and provides a platform of technology for further scientific exploration in the glaucoma space.
Intravitreal injection of the Galectin-3 inhibitor TD139 provides neuroprotection in a rat model of ocular hypertensive glaucoma
Galectin-3 is a pro-inflammatory protein that is increased in glaucoma. Inhibiting Galectin-3 using an intravitreal injection of TD139 (a Galectin-3 small molecule inhibitor) is a potential approach to provide neuroprotection. We confirm that this approach is translatable to rats, providing a strong neuroprotective effect.
Ganglion Cell Complex Thickness and Visual Function in Chronic Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy
In this cross-sectional study, we assessed the thickness of the macular ganglion cell complex using semi-automated segmentation and explored its correlation with visual function in individuals with chronic Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON), recruited from the Swedish LHON registry. Our goal was to better understand the relationship between structural and functional aspects of the visual system in this clinical population.
Photo: Stefan Zimermann och Ulf SirbornPromobilia supports KI research on treatments for age-related visual impairment
Fellow-KI researchers Anders Kvanta and Fredrik Lanner have been awarded a grant of SEK 10 million from the Promobilia foundation to develop a treatment for inherited retinal diseases, such as retinitis pigmentosa (RP), and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). There is currently no effective therapies for these diseases, which are the main cause of blindness in the developed world.
Photo: Flora HuiGlaucoma researcher Pete Williams receives grant from American foundation
Pete Williams, researcher at Karolinska Institutet and St. Erik Eye Hospital, has been awarded a research grant from the American Glaucoma Foundation to develop a treatment for glaucoma and other eye diseases. With the grant of USD 75,000 (SEK 840,000), the Foundation wants to recognize groundbreaking, innovative glaucoma research. This is the second time Pete Williams has received the grant.
Physiological optics
Ganglion Cell Complex Thickness and Visual Function in Chronic Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy
In this cross-sectional study, we assessed the thickness of the macular ganglion cell complex using semi-automated segmentation and explored its correlation with visual function in individuals with chronic Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON), recruited from the Swedish LHON registry. Our goal was to better understand the relationship between structural and functional aspects of the visual system in this clinical population.
Generous donation to eye research at KI
The Ulla and Ingemar Dahlberg Foundation has decided to donate SEK 50 million to Karolinska Institutet. The grant will be used for a new professorship in vision science with a focus on ocular neurobiology and have the full name "Ulla och Ingemar Dahlbergs professur i synvetenskap med inriktning mot okulär neurobiologi" (Ulla and Ingemar Dahlberg's Professorship in Visual Science with specialization in Ocular Neurobiology).
"It's an incredibly important and welcome donation. KI generally has a relatively small number of professors in ophthalmology, so this addition will make a big difference to eye research in Sweden," says Rune Brautaset, professor at the Department of Clinical Neuroscience and head of the Division of Eye and Vision.
He looks at brain disorders through the retina
With the help of OCT analysis, there is a simple and inexpensive way of examining the eyes in order to monitor the progression of disease and effect of treatment in people with multiple sclerosis (MS).
We can do this since loss of nervous tissue in the brain is reflected in the retina, says Optometrist and researcher Rune Brautaset who uses OCT for his research.
Physiological optics
More publications
Retina
Gene therapy effective in hereditary blindness
Bothnia dystrophy is a form of hereditary blindness, prevalent in the region Västerbotten in Sweden. A new study at Karolinska Institutet published in Nature Communications shows that gene therapy can improve vision in patients with the disease.
KI researchers Anders Kvanta and Fredrik Lanner awarded a SEK 10 million grant
The Erling-Persson Foundation has awarded Anders Kvanta, professor at the Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, and Fredrik Lanner, senior researcher at the Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, a research grant of SEK 10 million extending over three years.
Doctoral funding from KI strengthens research on lack of oxygen in the eye tissue
Research group leader Helder André at St. Erik Eye Hospital and Karolinska Institutet has been awarded funds from KI's special grant for training a doctoral candidate. The funding enables the employment of a doctoral student for the project The translational role of hypoxia in blinding neovascular diseases for four years.
Transplantation of vision cells made from embryonic stem cells can restore lost vision
A new study published in the scientific journal Molecular Therapy, shows that transplanted vision cells made from embryonic stem cells can restore vision.
Ocular Oncology and Pathology
Gustav Stålhammar, nominated as one of the emerging and promising young researchers from the Nordic countries.
Acta Board have been nominated Gustav Stålhammar as one of the emerging and promising young researchers from the Nordic countries.
followed by a session with four young speakers from the Scandinavian countries, each of whom will talk about their own research. We invite you to be one of these speakers.
On the occasion of the 100th of Acta anniversary in Maastricht in June, Gustav is invited together with Joni Turunen, Finland och Cecilie Bredrup, Norway to speak about their own research.
Title of Gustavs lecture is: ”Uveal melanoma past, present, and future -Towards adjuvant treatment”
Overrepresentation of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 positive- and Luminal B breast cancer metastases in the eyes and orbit
Vi visar att 4 av 5 bröstcancermetastaser i ögonen och orbita är av typen Luminal B, och att fler än hälften är positiva för HER2.
Vidare ser vi även att subtypen av bröstcancer ofta ändras mellan primärtumören i bröstet och metastasen i ögat.
Study confirms inflammation of the eye with glaucoma
A study at St Erik Eye Hospital and Karolinska Institutet is now able to confirm that inflammation of the retina and optic nerve occurs in patients with glaucoma. The results are published in the journal Acta Neuropathologica Communications.
Ocular Oncology and Pathology
Increasing Incidence of Posterior Uveal Melanoma in Scandinavia 1960–2022: A Tri-National Study
The incidence of posterior uveal melanoma in Scandinavia has increased over the past six decades, with a linear trend that is independent of changes in tumor size or patient age at diagnosis. A deeper understanding of the underlying risk factors and evolving diagnostic practices is essential to inform public health initiatives, enhance early detection, distinguish melanomas from benign counterparts, and optimize management strategies for uveal melanoma.
Nationwide analysis of sex differences in waiting times for cataract surgery in Sweden between 2010 and 2022
We observe a persistent, albeit small, difference in waiting times favoring males. These findings highlight a systemic disparity that warrants further investigation and targeted interventions to ensure equitable access to cataract care.
Development and Validation of a Deep Learning Algorithm for Differentiation of Choroidal Nevi from Small Melanoma in Fundus Photographs
This study develops and validates a deep learning algorithm for differentiating small choroidal melanomas from nevi, matching or surpassing the discriminatory performance of experienced human ophthalmologists. Further research will aim to validate its utility in clinical settings.
Tailoring surveillance imaging in uveal melanoma based on individual metastatic risk
Customizing uveal melanoma surveillance to match metastatic risks could transform current practices, ensuring more precise protocols, reducing unnecessary examinations, and directing health care resources to those in greatest need.
Melatonin Receptor Expression in Primary Uveal Melanoma
In conclusion, our findings confirm the presence of melatonin receptor expression in uveal melanoma tumors. Future studies should confirm the protein expression of these receptors, which may provide sites for melatonin’s binding or indirect impact.
Prognostic implications of tenascin C in peripheral blood and primary tumours at the time of uveal melanoma diagnosis
To examine the prognostic implication of tenascin C (TNC) in posterior uveal melanoma (UM).
Conclusions: TNC is a prognostic biomarker in UM. At the time of primary tumour diagnosis, it is measured in higher levels in both peripheral blood and tumour tissue from patients who will eventually suffer from metastatic death.
Ocular Oncology and Pathology
Eye movements and vision
A novel view on the role of vision in brain injury
Each year tens of thousands of Swedes suffer from concussion. Some of them experience persistent difficulties, such as brain fatigue, sensitivity to light, headache and problems focusing. Optometrist and Research Group Leader Tony Pansell researches the benefits of spectacle treatment and vision therapy in this context.
Research grant for a doctoral position from Promobilia
Yiting Wang has been awarded a research grant for a doctoral position by the Promobilia Foundation (Doctoral Fellowship) amounting to 1 450 000 SEK. The grant covers a period of two years with the possibility of extension for an additional two years with the same amount.
Yiting Wang is an engineer in electrical and computer engineering, specializing in machine learning and AI. In this project, we will explore the possibility that so-called fixational eye movements and microsaccades – a type of very small, rapid, and involuntary eye movements that are relatively unexplored in clinical contexts – may carry information about brain health that can help us detect symptoms of early-stage Parkinson's disease.
Vision impairment is common in non-hospitalised patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome
Vision-related symptoms and impairments were prevalent in the study group. The Developmental Eye Movement Test and the Visual Motion Sensitivity Clinical Test Protocol showed promise for clinical assessment of saccadic performance and sensitivity to movement in the environment. Further study will be required to explore the utility of these tools.
Eye movements and vision
Glaucoma
Glaucoma researcher Pete Williams receives grant from American foundation
Pete Williams, researcher at Karolinska Institutet and St. Erik Eye Hospital, has been awarded a research grant from the American Glaucoma Foundation to develop a treatment for glaucoma and other eye diseases. With the grant of USD 75,000 (SEK 840,000), the Foundation wants to recognize groundbreaking, innovative glaucoma research. This is the second time Pete Williams has received the grant.
The search for an effective treatment for glaucoma
Pete Williams is one of few researchers in Sweden concentrating on glaukoma. The goal is an effective treatment, something that stops the degenerative process in the nerve cells of the eye.
Project grant from the Promobila Foundation
Pete Williams has been granted a project grant from the Promobila Foundation of SEK 600,000 with the title "Dual focus of neuroprotection and neuroregeneration in the optic nerve"
The project duration is 2 years.
Broad overview published on strategies to protect neurons in glaucoma
James Tribble, Assistant Professor at Karolinska Institutet and St. Erik Eye Hospital, has written an overview article with colleagues in Australia and Canada on how research into new glaucoma treatments is progressing.
KI Innovations brings in 6 new companies into the incubator - strengthening in Medtech and drug development
KI Innovation's Deeptech incubator DRIVE expands its portfolio by bringing in six new companies with a focus on the development of pharmaceuticals, cell therapies, diagnostics and Medtech products. With the right support, the accepted companies all have great potential to contribute to the benefit of society. Pete Williams and Melissa Jöe from Pete Williams' research group with Mim Neuroscience are one of the selected companies.
Glaucoma
Identifying potential key metabolic pathways and biomarkers in glaucoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis
This study underscores the central role of metabolic dysfunction in POAG, highlighting specific metabolites and pathways that could serve as biomarkers for early diagnosis and therapeutic intervention. Future research should prioritise longitudinal studies and untargeted metabolomic profiling to further deepen our understanding of metabolic changes and their contributions to glaucoma progression.
Excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitter alterations with advancing age and injury in the mouse retina
The changes detected here support an alteration/decrease of glutamate and GABA signaling with aging, as well as in pre-apoptotic, functionally impaired, but fully recoverable RGCs following IOP injury. Reduction of GABA after IOP injury points towards a loss of inhibitory neurotransmission in the retina, which possibly is compensated in the young mice by increasing GABA-mimetics in the retina.
Metabolic Dysfunction in Glaucoma: From Bench to Bedside (and Back Again)
Although IOP lowering is still the mainstay of glaucoma management, it is promising to see a wealth of new research and resources for patient diagnosis and stratification, glaucoma biomarkers, and novel neuroprotective therapies on the horizon. Work in other fields, especially in other neurologic and ophthalmic diseases, is informative and provides a platform of technology for further scientific exploration in the glaucoma space.
Intravitreal injection of the Galectin-3 inhibitor TD139 provides neuroprotection in a rat model of ocular hypertensive glaucoma
Galectin-3 is a pro-inflammatory protein that is increased in glaucoma. Inhibiting Galectin-3 using an intravitreal injection of TD139 (a Galectin-3 small molecule inhibitor) is a potential approach to provide neuroprotection. We confirm that this approach is translatable to rats, providing a strong neuroprotective effect.
NMNAT2 is a druggable target to drive neuronal NAD production
The research team of Pete Williams have developed new compounds targeting NMNAT2 that drive high levels of neuronal NAD and provide neuroprotection in retinal ganglion cell injury models.
Oral nicotinamide provides robust, dose-dependent structural and metabolic neuroprotection of retinal ganglion cells in experimental glaucoma
Intravitreal MPTP drives retinal ganglion cell loss with oral nicotinamide treatment providing robust neuroprotection
We have developed a model characterized by the specific loss of retinal ganglion cells with relevance to optic neuropathies and Parkinson’s disease. Importantly, NAM is neuroprotective in this model, supporting its use as a model for studying neuroprotection and the potential for NAM to be of use to a broad array of metabolic and neurodegenerative insults in the eye.
Glaucoma
More publications