Eye diseases of adults and children

Scientific impact of our research is in recognition of pathophysiological processes in diagnosis and management of most important eye diseases. All proposed segments of this program yielded new scientific findings with clinical impact. This relates to introduction of new diagnostic and therapeutic modalities that have become available for our patients. Large importance of this is in early dyagnosis of retinal dystrophies and degenerations, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and pediatric neuroophthalmic diseases, in order to prevent visual loss. The importance of electrophysiological testing in children is emphasised as these tests give objective information about visual function. Research in genetics of eye diseases give important insight in mechanisms and prognosis. Research of effects of laser irradiation on the ocular and periocular tissues are important for development of medical lasers from the concept phase to the phase of pre-clinical and clinical testing. The results of these studies have direct applicability and are useful for better diagnosis and management of ocular diseases.

With this research, the modern methods that were once available only in most modern European institutions have been introduced in Slovenia. At the University Eye Hospital, we have succeeded to establish the possibilities of scientific development that allows most advanced diagnostics and treatment. The results of these novel methods have been published in Slovene and foreign literature and presented at congresses. Slovene patients can thus have access to the most contemporary management. In addition, genetic testing has provided the characteristics of these diseases in Slovenian population which give insight in mechanisms, course and prognosis. These findings are fundamental in attempts for revealing scientific avenues to treat or retard the progression of eye diseases.