Research Interests
Recent studies in diabetic humans and animal models have shown that retinal neuron problems begin before the blood vessel problems of late-stage diabetic retinopathy, but the mechanisms of this retinal neuronal damage are not yet understood. Visual function deficits in the function of dim light-activated rod pathways are some of the earliest identifiable retinal problems in diabetic patients. We will determine if reduced dopamine in inner retina is responsible for these retinal functional changes, using electrical recordings of retinal neuron’s response to light. The goal is to identify treatment targets to prevent the neuronal progression of diabetic retinal dysfunction.