Translational medicine bridges the gap between research discoveries and actual health applications in many disciplines, including ophthalmology. Ophthalmology research looks at diseases in animals to help us learn more about the differences and similarities across species, and how those might apply to humans. The Veterinary Vision Center team contributes to translational knowledge by treating ophthalmic conditions in animals, and we believe such research has the potential to transform human and pet health.

Understanding translational medicine

Translational medicine refers to translating scientific discoveries from basic laboratory animal research into clinical applications that benefit humans. In ophthalmology, this involves studying animal eye diseases and treatments to gain insights into human eye health. Animal models, such as mice, dogs, and primates, have helped advance our understanding of various eye conditions. Additionally, using laboratory animals to replicate disease processes or to study naturally occurring diseases allows researchers to evaluate the safety and efficacy of new treatments before moving on to human trials.

Translational impacts on human ophthalmology

Animal ophthalmic research has advanced human eye care. For example, research in Briard dogs with a specific retinal degeneration that also occurs in children led to gene therapy to treat inherited human retinal diseases. Researchers created a mouse model that mimicked the gene abnormality in Briards and created a therapy that delivered corrective genes to the affected retinas, effectively restoring vision. The treatment then worked in the Briard dogs, so researchers adapted the treatment to blinding human diseases, including retinitis pigmentosa and Leber congenital amaurosis.

Animal models have also been crucial in testing novel drug delivery systems and developing new treatments for macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, dry eyes, color blindness, ocular infections, uveitis, and glaucoma.

Ethical considerations in animal research

While animal ophthalmic research has yielded important insights, studies must be conducted ethically and responsibly to prioritize animal welfare and minimize animal harm. Laboratories using animals in their research are governed by strict regulatory guidelines and veterinarians must be on site to oversee animal care and treatment. Researchers also make efforts to reduce animal laboratory use whenever possible. Eliminating animals from research is unrealistic, but the following strategies by researchers do help:

  • Using cultured cells or bio-engineered materials to replace live tissue
  • Using non-mammalian models, such as flies and invertebrates
  • Allowing dogs, cats, and non-human primates to make up less than 0.5% of research animals
  • Using specially bred rodents with missing or altered genes that allows for more direct and efficient studies 

Worldwide, 38 million people are blind and an additional 110 million are vision-impaired, resulting in an estimated economic impact of $68 billion per year—which does not include lost wages because of vision impairment disabilities. Vision loss is expected to impact our aging population, but translational research in laboratory animals and pets has proven a valuable tool for advancing human ophthalmology.

Translational medicine in ophthalmology also highlights the collaborative power of researchers, veterinarians, and healthcare professionals. The insights gained from animal ophthalmic research pave the way for transformative interventions that benefit both pet and human patients suffering from eye or vision disorders. 

The Veterinary Vision Center team shares our clinical knowledge and experience across disciplines to improve health outcomes for pets and people and participates in appropriate research studies. Contact us to schedule an initial consultation, recheck visit, or routine eye health check, or to learn more about how animals contribute to human health.