OBERON · Opto-Biomechanical Eye Research Network

Opto-Biomechanical Eye Research Network

OBERON is an European collaboration that brings together a group of scientists that work on the optics and biomechanics of the eye, cover a broad range of disciplines and skills and aims to create a unique, biologically viable and physiologically relevant modelling platform describing the interactions between ocular mechanical properties, optics and geometry in a way adaptable to a wide range of ocular conditions. Bellow there is a brief description of how each specific goal has been addressed in the project: ● Create a research network where a group of talented ESRs can train, work together and exchange ideas with European experts on topics related to visual optics and biomechanics. The possibility of doing secondments at each other's host institution and at non-academic institutions also enriched the scientific, cultural, intersectoral and social experience in the project. ● Improve fundamental knowledge on unsolved topics of visual optics and biomechanics. By the end of final reportin 46 peer-review articles have been published. They have provided fundamental insights into the nature of the anatomical and mechanical aspects of the eye and how such properties impact on the optical characteristics of its lenses and the organ as an image formation structure. ● Create the opto-biomechanical model as a platform for future analyses. Several modelling platforms have been built during this period that have been used and will be used in the future for optical and biomechanical modelling of the human eye. ● Expand this platform to incorporate the influences of ageing, accommodation, select pathologies (e.g. keratoconus), and responses to therapies (e.g. cross-linking, refractive surgery, intraocular lens implantation, etc.). The ageing and other physiological effects, crystalline lens and accommodation structure and function, refractive surgery and keratoconus, intraocular lens implantation, peripheral imaging, emmetropisation and refractive error development. ● Develop innovative applications in corneal and cataract surgery, highlighting the platform’s strength. Collaborative work with non-academic partners has been developed for application of the models in corneal therapeutic treatments. During the closing meeting at the facilities of one of the non-academic partners the results of several projects highlighted the intersection with strategic areas of development of the companies in the field of optical devices and instrumentation. ● Ensure that Europe cements its place as a world leader in the field of visual optics and eye modelling. The fundamental knowledge on the anatomy, structure and function, and the applications based on model development to test present and future solutions for those clinical conditions strengths the role of world-leading companies included in the network while the research laboratories involved in this project are now in a better position to continue evolving the knowledge in the field allowing Europe to keep up in this competitive field.

Текст от CORDIS, на английски · Данни: CORDIS, © Европейски съюз