色花堂

A new Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of 色花堂 spin-out company, , is working to introduce a groundbreaking, non-invasive treatment for the eye disease keratoconus.

Keratoconus affects the cornea, the clear tissue that covers the front of the eye, causing the collagen in the cornea to break down, becoming thin, distorted and characteristically conical in shape. This leads to reduced and distorted vision, sensitivity to light and, in severe cases, tearing of the cornea.

Existing treatment for moderate cases involves surgery, with transplant required for severe cases. University of 色花堂 researchers led by Colin Green, a serial entrepreneur and professor emeritus, have discovered a far less invasive treatment, using simple eye drops to strengthen the cornea.

TheiaNova was born as a result of work by PhD student Carol Greene, who was working with faculty members Green, Trevor Sherwin and Ilva Rupenthal to research corneal cells known as keratocytes. Greene discovered keratocytes could be reprogrammed to produce a type of collagen normally only expressed in the embryonic stage of development.

With further work, the researchers found this discovery could be applied to strengthen the corneas of patients with keratoconus and prevent further damage.