Current research programs address important epidemiologic and clinical
questions involving many of the leading causes of blindness in the country.
The individual programs include:
Mission Statement
The division of Clinical and Epidemiologic Research at Henry Ford Eye Care Services develops and conducts research into the causes, diagnosis, prevention, treatment, outcomes and costs of eye disease ad translates laboratory research into clinical application. The Division conducts this research within the Henry Ford Health System, the regional community and as part of national and international programs. The Division of Clinical and Epidemiologic Research seeks funding from government, industry, philanthropy and the Health System.
The Division of Clinical and Epidemiologic Research provides recommendations to the Health System and the Community regarding cost-effective programs for preventing eye disease and for evaluating existing treatments for eye disease.
Epidemiology Studies
Epidemiologic studies are designed to determine the frequency and cause
of disease. These studies are important to understand the impact of disease
in a population or region, the characteristics of individuals contracting
specific diseases, and the particular risk factors and consequences of
each illness.
Diabetic Retinopathy, the leading cause of blindness in patients aged
20-64 years, is one example of a serious condition that is studied by
our investigators. Our research has determined that fewer than half of
the diabetic patients who should receive eye examinations have done so.
We are attempting to learn why this situation prevails and to develop
strategies to increase the numbers of patients who receive recommended
eye exams.
Investigators in Henry Ford Eye Care Services are collaborating with our colleagues in Endocrinology and Metabolism in the Epidemiology in Diabetes Interventions and Complications (EDIC). This is a study funded by the National Institutes of Health to determine how the complication of diabetes, including diabetic retinopathy, relate to the degree of glycemic control. This is a follow-up study to the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT).
Pharmaceutical Studies/Clinical Trials
Glaucoma Trials
Drug Trials
Two million Americans have
glaucoma, the leading cause of blindness in African-Americans. Until recently,
the therapeutic options available to treat glaucoma were limited. Many of these
treatments had significant adverse side effects and were poorly tolerated. Our
investigators have been conducting several clinical trials to evaluate newly
developed glaucoma therapies to determine their safety, efficacy in reducing
intraocular pressure, and impact on quality of life. This work has led to
improved options for treating glaucoma and a better understanding of the impact
that various drug treatments have on our patients.
Clinical Outcomes Assessment
Visual Function Assessment
Until recently, clinical trials in
ophthalmology have depended solely on traditional clinical measures, such as
visual acuity or complication rates, to assess the impairment caused by ocular
diseases and the benefits and harms of their treatment. This emphasis on
objective measures and end-points has not allowed investigators to understand
the full impact that disease has on our patients.
To address this limitation, the National Eye Institute (NEI), together
with Rand Corporation, developed a vision-specific questionnaire called
the NEI Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ). This questionnaire was
designed to evaluate the patients' own perception of their visual disability
and the influence that this disability has on their daily functioning
and quality of life.
Pharmacoeconomic Studies
Glaucoma Trials
An increasingly important concern is the cost of treating glaucoma This
is true for:
insurers, who may cover prescription costs or who pay
for drug complications;
pharmaceutical companies, who need to market a
competitive product, and
patients, who pay for their medications.
Because of its widespread impact, we have been studying
the pharmacoeconomics of glaucoma therapy.
Pharmacoeconomics is a rapidly developing methodology that quantifies
the costs associated with drug therapy. This type of analysis is made
possible at Henry Ford Health System by our large, diverse patient base
and our institution's advanced information systems.
Until recently, clinical trials in
ophthalmology have depended solely on traditional clinical measures, such as
visual acuity or complication rates, to assess the impairment caused by ocular
diseases and the benefits and harms of their treatment. This emphasis on
objective measures and end-points has not allowed investigators to understand
the full impact that disease has on our patients.
