A new way to look at glaucoma
Dr Loxlan Kasa is a post-doctorate candidate that is supported by Vision Research Foundation who will be working with Professor Helen Danesh-Meyer and Associate Professor Samantha Holdsworth to explore the role of dynamic movement of the eye and the optic nerve in glaucoma. We are challenging the current paradigm of glaucoma.
In collaboration with Mātai, the study uses a new brain imaging technique, amplified MRI, which allows magnification of the microscopic movement of the optic nerve. Amplified MRI has the potential to transform our understanding of glaucoma by allowing us to visualise the movement of the optic nerve with every heartbeat and to compare if patients with glaucoma demonstrate different patterns of optic nerve movement.
Dr Loxlan Kasa is a post-doctoral research fellow on the Stroke Program at the Research Institute for the University of Toronto. Dr Kasa has a Bachelor in Science (Physics) from University of Papua New Guinea and a Masters in Biomedical Engineering from the Huazhong University of Science and Technology, China. His PhD focussed on applying advanced MRI modeling techniques to quantify brain microstructure in patients with neuropathological disorders and diseases
Amplified MRI
Amplified MRI showing greater optic nerve movement in the eye on the right, with lower intraocular pressure (IOP).
Te Mata Mātai Hura -The Investigative Revealing Eye
Mātai is a world-leading, not-for-profit research institute in Gisborne, that aims to enhance Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) capabilities using new and advanced software, image processing and artificial intelligence. Their research aims to advance understanding of the brain, heart and body, and deliver health, social and economic benefits regionally and globally with a core focus on concussion/mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), alongside projects across a range of issues that impact the well-being of our community.
They also support community research into studies on health issues prevalent to Māori. Mātai community involvement extends to inspiring youth through providing education programmes in schools, scholarships and internships and training opportunities.
