A global approach to combat keratoconus

Summary Keratoconus is a common condition that affects the cornea and despite its increasing prevalence, the cause of keratoconus is largely unknown. Research centres across the world have individually collected cohorts of patients with keratoconus to better understand the underlying molecular causes, clinical characteristics and treatment options of keratoconus in order to develop strategies that can halt the disease progression.

Project Details

Keratoconus is a common condition that affects the cornea and despite its increasing prevalence, the cause of keratoconus is largely unknown. Research centres across the world have individually collected cohorts of patients with keratoconus to better understand the underlying molecular causes, clinical characteristics and treatment options of keratoconus in order to develop strategies that can halt the disease progression. However, these approaches have so far been piecemeal. So, we established a global collaborative keratoconus initiative, the Keratoconus International Consortium (KIC) and we have over 40 national and international Asia join hands to enhance the understanding of KC. The project involves applying machine learning/artificial learning techniques to large datasets from the consortium, to conduct big data statistical analysis and manuscript writing and also and an exciting opportunity to undertake advanced genetic analyses.

Students with backgrounds in computational sciences, statistics or optometry and visual science and genetics are welcome to apply.