Dear Eye Floaters Sufferers,

I am reaching out on behalf of the VMR Research Foundation to share exciting developments across our scientific, clinical, and academic research initiatives for 2024-2026. Our work focuses on advancing knowledge in ophthalmology, specifically targeting vitreous-related conditions like Vision Degrading Myodesopsia (VDM), a serious but underappreciated cause of visual impairment. Below, I have outlined key projects and collaborations currently underway.

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Scientific Research Projects

1. Optical Physics of Vitreous Light Scattering:

- Collaboration: Professor Pablo Artal and Dr. Alba Maria Paniagua-Diaz, University of Murcia, Spain

- Objective: Investigate how vitreous opacities scatter light, creating visual disturbances known as floaters. Understanding this physics will drive new technologies to mitigate these effects.

- Recent Work: Published in Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science 2024 (https://doi.org/10.1167/iovs.65.5.20).

2. Dynamics of Vitreous Movement:

- Collaboration: Professor Alfredo Sadun and Dr. Alex Engelman, Doheny Eye Institute/UCLA

- Focus: Using real-time MRI to study how vitreous displacement impacts vision, particularly during activities like reading and driving. Correlations between axial myopia and vitreous movement are also being investigated.

- Results: Presented at ARVO Seattle 2024 (Vol 65:5571). MRI imaging has shown faster vitreous displacement in areas with liquefied vitreous, reinforcing the link between eye movement and symptom severity.

3. Enhanced Vitreous Imaging Techniques:

- Partners:

- Cornell-Weil Medicine and Columbia College of Physicians & Surgeons (New York) – Development of 2D ultrasound algorithms and 3D imaging technologies.

- Copernicus University, Poland – Research on OCT-based full-body vitreous imaging.

- Publications:

- Hoerig et al. (2023) in Translational Vision Science & Technology (https://doi.org/10.1167/tvst.12.9.21) – Machine-independent methods for quantifying vitreous echodensities.

- Ruminski et al. (2025) – OCT-based imaging breakthroughs, presented at SPIE Biophotonics West.

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Clinical Research and Diagnostics:

1. Development of the Vitreous Floaters Functional Questionnaire (VFFQ)

This novel patient self-assessment tool allows individuals to evaluate the impact of VDM. The VFFQ is currently undergoing validation, comparing outcomes with traditional questionnaires (VFQ) and clinical parameters.

Next Steps: Assessing pre- and post-surgical outcomes using VFFQ to capture patient experience more accurately, setting a foundation for future therapeutic studies.

2. Epidemiology Study of VDM and Vitreous Floaters:

- Partners: Professor A.R. Haj and M.D. Smith, Indiana University; Matt Mazsewski, Columbia University

- Goal: Establish the prevalence of VDM in the general population, addressing a critical gap in awareness and recognition of this disease.

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Therapeutics and Innovative Treatments:

1. YAG Laser Vitreolysis (YLV) Study

- Collaboration: Professor Paulo Stanga, University College London, Retina Clinic (Harley Street)

- Objective: Evaluate the effectiveness of YLV in alleviating symptoms of VDM, leveraging techniques developed by the VMR Foundation.

2. Nanoparticle Ablation of Vitreous Opacities:

- Collaboration: Professor S. DeSmedt and Dr. F. Sauvage, University of Ghent, Belgium

- Research: Developing light-induced vapor nanobubbles to ablate vitreous opacities with minimal invasiveness.

- Publications:

- Sauvage et al. (2019) in ACS Nano (https://doi.org/10.1021/acsnano.9b04050)

- Sauvage et al. (2022) in Nature Nanotechnology (https://doi.org/10.1038/s41565-022-01086-4)

3. Ultrasound Imaging to Optimize Intravitreal Drug Delivery:

- Partners: Professor Anita Nikolova Penkova and Dr. Shuqi Zhang, USC

- Focus: Predict drug transport dynamics in partially liquefied vitreous using ultrasound imaging. Results are detailed in Engineering Applications of Artificial Intelligence (2024).

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Academic and Outreach Efforts

Our foundation is committed to advancing education and raising global awareness about vitreous-related conditions. We actively share findings through publications, conference presentations, and industry collaborations.

Upcoming presentations include:

- SPIE Biophotonics West – San Francisco, January 2024

- ARVO – Seattle, May 2024

- American Ophthalmological Society – San Diego, October 2024

- Asia-Pacific Vitreo-Retinal Society – Singapore, November 2024

Our publications, such as contributions to Ryan’s Retina (7th ed.) and Adler’s Physiology of the Eye (12th ed.), further extend the impact of our research within the ophthalmology community.

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How You Can Support Our Mission

The VMR Research Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization (Federal Tax ID # 61-1888947), and your support can help advance our mission of improving visual health. Contributions can be made via:

- Check by Mail:

VMR Research Foundation

620 Newport Center Drive, Suite 1100, PMB 490

Newport Beach, CA 92660

- Wire Transfer:

Chase Bank

Account Number: 640648377

Routing Number (Wire Transfers): 021000021

SWIFT Code: CHASUS33

We deeply value partnerships with individuals and organizations committed to ophthalmic research. If you are interested in learning more or would like to explore a potential collaboration, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Thank you for your time and consideration. Together, we can create a better future for those affected by VDM and other vision-related conditions.

Best regards,

Dr. Jerry Sebag

VMR Research Foundation