Powered Research supports a comprehensive suite of ophthalmological models to evaluate drugs, devices, and other interventions. All ophthalmic exams are conducted by a Board-Certified Veterinary Ophthalmologist, lending significant credibility to the results obtained. High-resolution imaging, pupillometry, pachymetry, electroretinography (ERG), slit lamp biomicroscopy, intraocular pressure (IOP), optodrum optokinetic tracking (OKT), fluorescein angiography, optical coherence tomography (OCT), 3D confocal laser-scanning (tomography), bright field, fluorescent retinal imaging, pharmacokinetics and ocular histology. We are a USDA-approved and AAALAC-accredited research laboratory that houses multiple species for conditions including wet AMD, dry AMD, glaucoma, corneal diseases, ocular inflammation and others upon request. An additional 7,000 square feet of available wet lab space.
WET AMD
Wet age-related macular degeneration (Wet AMD) is a progressive eye disease that can affect the macula, compromising central vision.
DL-AAA Induced Retinal Neovascularization
The DL-2-aminoadipic acid (AAA) model of chronic retinal neovascularization is used to evaluate the durability of test articles targeting wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD) and diabetic retinopathy through quantification of vascular leakage inhibition. Our team of experts has developed this model with consistent results in the Dutch Belted rabbit.
Laser-Induced Choroidal Neovascularization
The experimental laser-induced CNV model is used to evaluate the efficacy of test articles targeting wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD) and diabetic retinopathy. Our team of experts has developed reproducible models with consistent results in mice, rats, and swine.
VEGF- Induced Retinal Leakage and Neovascularization
The VEGF-induced retinal leakage model is used to assess the efficacy of test articles targeting wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD) and diabetic retinopathy. Our team of experts has developed this model with consistent results in the Dutch Belted rabbit.
DRY AMD
Dry age-related macular degeneration (Dry AMD) is a common eye condition that can affect the macula, compromising central vision.
Light-Induced Retinal Degeneration
The Light-Induced Retinal Degeneration Model is used to evaluate the efficacy of test articles targeting dry age-related macular degeneration. Our team of experts has developed reproducible models with consistent results in mice and rats.
Sodium Iodate-Induced Retinal Degeneration
The Sodium Iodate-Induced Retinal Degeneration Model is used to evaluate the efficacy of test articles targeting dry age-related macular degeneration. Our team of experts has developed reproducible models with consistent results in mice, rats, and rabbits
Glaucoma Models of Neuroprotection
Glaucoma is a progressive eye disease that leads to vision loss by causing damage to the optic nerve.
N-Methyl D-Aspartate-Induced Excitotoxicity
The N-methyl D-aspartate-induced retinal degeneration model is used to evaluate the efficacy of test articles preventing degeneration of retinal ganglion cells. Our team of experts has developed reproducible models with consistent results in mice.
Optic Nerve Crush
The optic nerve crush retinal degeneration model is used to evaluate the efficacy of test articles preventing degeneration of retinal ganglion cells and neuronal axons. Our team of experts has developed reproducible models with consistent results in mice.
MIGS
Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery. These are a group of surgical procedures designed to reduce intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with glaucoma, with the goal of preventing further optic nerve damage. MIGS procedures are considered safer and less invasive than traditional glaucoma surgeries, such as trabeculectomy or tube shunt surgery.
Glaucoma: Ocular Hypertension
Glaucoma is a progressive eye disease that leads to vision loss by causing damage to the optic nerve, and ocular hypertension is a contributing factor in this blinding disease.
Silicone Oil Ocular Hypertension
The silicone oil model of ocular hypertension resulting in retinal degeneration is used to evaluate the efficacy of test articles preventing retinal degeneration. Our team of experts has developed reproducible models with consistent results in mice.
Glaucoma Normotensive Models
In naive, normotensive models, test articles and devices can be evaluated for efficacy by measuring a change in intraocular pressure compared to baseline. Our team of experts has developed reproducible models with consistent results in mice, rats, rabbits, and swine.
Corneal Disease
Corneal disease refers to a variety of conditions that affect the cornea, the clear, dome-shaped tissue that covers the front of the eye. The cornea plays a critical role in visual acuity.
Neuropathic Keratitis
The neuropathic keratitis model is used in rodents to evaluate the efficacy of test articles that prevent the loss of corneal sensation and persistent epithelial defects that can progress to more severe complications. Our team of experts has developed reproducible models with consistent results in mice and rats.
Corneal Transplantation
The corneal transplantation surgical model is used in rabbits to evaluate test articles that prevent rejection of donor grafts. The model replaces a damaged or diseased cornea with a healthy donor cornea and has demonstrated consistent, reproducible results.
DWEK and DMEK
Descemet's Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK) and Descemet's Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty without Endothelial Keratoplasty (DWEK) are advanced corneal transplantation techniques specifically targeting the endothelial layer of the cornea. This rabbit model is used to evaluate therapies targeting Fuchs’ dystrophy with consistent results.
Infectious Keratitis
Infectious keratitis model in rabbits is used to evaluate test articles that treat the serious condition caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites, each requiring specific treatment strategies.
Uveitis
Uveitis is inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye that consists of the iris, ciliary body, and choroid. It can affect one or both eyes and can lead to serious complications, including vision loss if not treated promptly.
Experimental Auto-Immune Uveitis
Experimental Autoimmune Uveitis (EAU) is a well-established, consistent animal model in rodents, rabbits, and pigs used to study the mechanisms of autoimmune uveitis, a form of intraocular inflammation that affects the uvea.
Endotoxin-Induced Uveitis
Endotoxin-Induced Uveitis (EIU) is an experimental model used to study acute anterior uveitis and the inflammatory response in the eye. This model is primarily induced in rodents and rabbits, by administering endotoxins, particularly lipopolysaccharides (LPS).
TNF-Induced Uveitis
TNF-Induced Uveitis (TIU) is an experimental model used to study the role of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in the pathogenesis of uveitis, particularly anterior uveitis. TNF-α is a pro-inflammatory cytokine produced by various immune cells, including macrophages and T cells, and plays a central role in the inflammatory response seen in autoimmune and infectious uveitis in humans. Our team of experts has developed reproducible models with consistent results in rodents.
Mycobacterium Tuberculosis-Induced Uveitis
Mycobacterium tuberculosis-induced uveitis refers to uveitis caused by infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium responsible for tuberculosis (TB). TB uveitis can manifest in various forms depending on the location and severity of the infection within the eye. Our team of experts has developed reproducible models with consistent results in rodents.
Ocular Inflammation
Our team of experts developed several well-characterized ocular inflammation models in multiple species to evaluate the pharmacodynamics of anti-inflammatory therapeutics on anterior and posterior segment inflammation.
Surgically Induced Ocular Inflammation
Surgically induced ocular inflammation refers to inflammation in the eye resulting from various types of ocular surgeries. This inflammation can occur as a natural part of the healing process or as a complication related to the surgery itself.
Phacoemulsification Surgery
Phacoemulsification surgery is a modern technique used for cataract removal, which involves emulsifying the cloudy lens and aspirating it from the eye. This procedure can induce inflammation, and our models are used to evaluate the efficacy of test articles in managing post-surgical inflammation.
Ocular Pain
Corneal Transplantation
In this surgical procedure, a damaged or diseased cornea (the transparent, front part of the eye that covers the iris and pupil) is replaced with healthy corneal tissue from a donor. This procedure is typically performed to improve visual acuity or relieve pain in cases where the cornea has become damaged due to injury, infection, or diseases like keratoconus.
Infectious Keratitis
Infectious keratitis is a serious and potentially sight-threatening condition characterized by inflammation of the cornea due to an infection. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. Common causes and risk factors include bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic infections as well as predisposing conditions such as corneal epithelial defects, dry eye disease, or an immunocompromised state.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is a diabetes-related complication that affects the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. It is caused by damage to the blood vessels due to prolonged high blood sugar levels.
DL-AAA Induced Retinal Neovascularization
The DL-2-aminoadipic acid (AAA) model of RNV in Dutch Belted rabbits is used to evaluate therapeutic efficacy of test articles through quantification of vascular leakage inhibition. Our team of experts has developed this model with consistent results in the Dutch Belted rabbit.
Laser-Induced Choroidal Neovascularization
The experimental laser-induced CNV model was designed to assess the efficacy of test articles for conditions including wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD) and diabetic retinopathy. Our team of experts has developed reproducible models with consistent results in mice, rats, and swine.
VEGF-Induced Retinal Leakage and Neovascularization
The VEGF-induced retinal leakage and neovascularization model was designed to assess the efficacy of test articles for the treatment of diabetic retinopathy and wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD). Our team of experts has developed this model with consistent results in in the Dutch Belted rabbit.