Tears as a platform to understand human health
Tears are complex biofluid that can be interrogated to yield insights into human health. We apply multidisciplinary techniques to define the biology and function of the human tear film, both in homeostasis and disease.
Our team has identified new biochemical and functional tear biomarkers across a spectrum conditions, including dry eye disease, diabetic peripheral neuropathy and contact lens discomfort.
ADMiER: a novel point of care test to diagnose and subtype dry eye disease.
In collaboration with Prof Leslie Yeo’s engineering team at RMIT University, we are currently developing a novel point-of-care test for the rapid diagnosis and subtyping of dry eye disease:
ADMiER: Acoustically-Driven Microfluidic Extensional Rheometry.
The ADMiER technology adopts a novel approach for assessing tear film health, by quantifying the viscoelastic (stretching) properties of a microlitre tear droplet. This research has advanced understanding of tear physiology; prior to this technology, viscoelasticity was an unmeasurable property of tears. Advantageously, dry eye dican be evaluated based on calculation of a biophysical parameter, to capture the health of an individual's tear film. This technology is predicted to have a major impact on enhanced clinical diagnostics for dry eye in ophthalmic practice.
Recent media stories and feature articles about ADMiER include:
• Accelerating Australia (AUS/NZ): “Accelerating Australia Innovation Expo”
• Optometry Australia (AUS): “Game-changing point-of-care device to diagnose and sub-type dry eye"
• Review of Cornea and Contact Lenses (US): “Highlights from the 2019 ARVO conference”
