Research
Research has a long and distinguished history at Wills Eye. Many of the special instruments and techniques that are commonplace in ophthalmology were invented or developed at Wills Eye. The implantation of an artificial intraocular lens to replace the cataract patient's own clouded lens was pioneered in the United States in 1952 by Warren Reese, M.D., and Turgut Hamdi, M.D., of the Hospital staff. Other revolutionary cataract surgery procedures were developed by former Wills Eye resident Charles Kelman, M.D.
A vitrectomy machine, now widely used for eye microsurgery, was invented in 1972 by Wills Eye physician Jay L. Federman, M.D. Today, research at Wills Eye is carried out in the laboratories of the Hospital's Research Department (which was first formally organized in 1952), in many of the Hospital's subspecialty services, and in cooperative efforts involving both ophthalmologists and laboratory scientists within Wills Eye and through national organizations and government agencies like the National Eye Institute.
A major aspect of this research is in improving our ability to diagnose eye conditions and to develop better methods of treatment. Current studies are concerned with glaucoma, ocular oncology, dry eye syndrome, and retinal diseases such as diabetic retinopathy. Other studies are aimed at developing new treatments for infectious or inflammatory eye disease, either of which, if not treated promptly and effectively, can permanently diminish sight.
Our researchers are also using molecular genetics, gene identification and gene sequencing to study new ways to identify and treat diseases that cause serious visual impairment and blindness.
Wills Eye is committed to expanding its research efforts into the causes and cures of eye disease, and in sharing those findings with other health professionals through Continuing Education programs and other educational opportunities.
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