ABSTRACT OF RESEARCH

Children with EB experience blistering and other problems in the eye but these have been little researched. The DebRA Ophthalmic Fellow will assist Mr Nischal in exploring the nature of the problems experienced and in developing clinical interventions. This will involve a review of all children with EB attending Great Ormond Street Hospital, probably the largest cohort of children with EB in the world.

During the first year, the incidence of meibomian gland dysfunction will be measured and the effects of treatment assessed. In meibomian gland dysfunction, the pores of the glands are often plugged. This is important because meibomian gland dysfunction plays an important role in the normal composition of the tear film. The tear film serves several purposes: it keeps the eye moist, creates a smooth surface for light to pass through the eye, nourishes the front of the eye, and provides protection from injury and infection. Treatment of meibomian gland dysfunction should result in a reduction of painful corneal erosive episodes.

FINANCIAL SUMMARY