Student opportunities
OCT-Angiography study of retinal vascular autoregulation in AMD
This research position is open to expressions of interest from PhD students.
Supervisors: Dr. David Sousa and Professor Robyn Guymer AM
Email: david.sousa@unimelb.edu.au
Suitable for: PhD
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of central vision loss in people over 50 years of age.
Although the pathogenesis of AMD is not fully understood, changes in the neuromuscular coupling responses are thought to be involved. Normal regulation of blood supply is vital for cell’s function and survival. The retina – part of the central nervous system, has an intrinsic capacity for vascular autoregulation in order to match the blood flow with the local high energy demands.
In our project, we aim to use optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) to assess the retinal vascular responses to a mild hypoxic stimulus (similar to the one experienced when we travel by air) in AMD patients.
We will investigate if the retinal vascular autoregulation processes are impaired, and correlate the findings with the various AMD phenotypes. This study will potentially lead to preventive measures – such as during commercial air travel, and therapeutic strategies in AMD.
To learn more or apply for this research opportunity, please email Dr David Sousa at david.sousa@unimelb.edu.au