ARGOS - Ophthalmology

(NL: voor de Nederlandstalige versie, zie hier)

Who is ARGOS?

ARGOS, named after the Greek myth of Argus Panoptes, is a young and dynamic research group with five PhD students, guided by postdoctoral researchers Dr. Bert Van den Bogerd and Dr. Debbie Le Blon, and supported by Professor Carina Koppen (Head of the Department of Ophthalmology – University Hospital Antwerp (UZA)).

The focus of the ARGOS lab is on tissue culture and regenerative medicine of the human cornea. Through this work, our researchers aim to develop new therapies and solutions for patients affected by corneal damage and disease.

Anatomy of the human cornea

The human cornea is an avascular tissue located at the anterior part of the eye. It serves as the eye’s transparent window to the outside world and has a convex shape, which enables light to pass and ultimately reach the retina. Five layers can be distinguished in a section through the cornea:

Cross-section of the front part of the eye. Illustration by Jessica Leenen, ophthalmic illustrator.

Ongoing research projects

1. The Cornea-on-Chip: Miniaturising the human cornea to accelerate drug development

Coming…

2. Bioengineered corneas

Coming…

3. The development of an innovative eyedrop for corneal endothelial regeneration

Coming…