The percentage of West Virginians who are legally blind is twice the national average. Visual disabilities resulting from diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, retinitis pigmentosa and age-related macular degeneration are caused by, or exacerbated by, many health risk factors that are prevalent in WV including diabetes, advanced age, obesity and heart disease.
With this collision of co-morbidities, the number of people suffering from irreversible vision loss is growing, creating a critical need to accelerate the research needed to identify novel therapeutics. A strong group of clinical and basic science investigators at West Virginia University is focused on understanding the biology of visual impairment and intervention strategies.
This request is for two key instruments (a mass spectrometer and a transmission electron microscope) needed to optimize the impact of cutting-edge research on this critical need in WV. Acquisition of these instruments will position these scientists and clinicians for optimal impact as they strive to preserve sight in our population.