Home【Research Keywords】
Novel retinal detachment repair materials, Sustained-release anti-VEGF agents, The mechanisms of retinal ganglion cell death and neuroprotection, The mechanisms of postoperative filtering bleb scarring in glaucoma surgery, The pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa, Novel therapeutic approaches for corneal infections, Clinical research conducted at each clinic
【Recent highlights】
In the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Pathophysiology, we provide highly specialized patient care through dedicated clinics focusing on retina, glaucoma, cornea, and other ophthalmic subspecialties. In parallel with clinical practice, each division actively conducts both clinical and basic research aimed at advancing patient diagnosis and treatment. Our research activities encompass the development of biomaterials for retinal detachment repair, sustained-release anti-VEGF formulations, investigations into the mechanisms of retinal ganglion cell death and neuroprotection, elucidation of postoperative scarring mechanisms following glaucoma filtration surgery, studies on the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa, and the development of novel therapeutic approaches for corneal infections. Through these multidisciplinary efforts, we strive to generate innovative findings with global impact and to promote translational research that directly contributes to improved patient care.
【Major Papers of the Laboratory】
・Deie S, Hirose K, Baba T, Okada N, Tokumo K, Fukuto A, Chikama T, Sakaguchi H, Hirooka K: Rapid corneal endothelial cell loss following PreserFlo MicroShunt implantation. Acta Ophthalmol. 2026 Feb 10. doi: 10.1111/aos.70096.
・Baba T, Baba O, Hirose K, Okada N, Tokumo K, Sakaguchi H, Hirooka K: Corneal endothelial cell density changes after Preserflo MicroShunt implantation. Br J Ophthalmol. 2026 Jan 16; bjo-2025-328495.
・Shibata S, Hirooka K, Onoe H, Okada N, Baba T, Okumichi H, Tokumo K, Sakaguchi H: Corneal higher-order aberrations after trabecular microbypass stent implantation combined with phacoemulsification. Japanese Journal of Ophthalmology. 2025 Oct 28. doi: 10.1007/s10384-025-01290-4.
【Education】
First-year ophthalmology residents begin with foundational training at Hiroshima University Hospital, where they deepen their knowledge through lectures, seminars, and study sessions. In addition, monthly cataract surgery training using pig eyes and operating microscopes provides hands-on experience under the supervision of senior ophthalmologists, allowing residents to progressively develop practical surgical skills. With exposure to more than 2,500 surgical cases annually and a wide variety of subspecialty clinics, trainees gain extensive clinical experience. The program also offers strong support for conference presentations and academic writing, providing a well-structured educational environment for stepwise growth toward board certification.
【Research】
1．Development of retinal detachment tamponade materials
2．Development of sustained-release anti-VEGF drug delivery systems
3．Research on the mechanisms of retinal ganglion cell death and neuroprotection
4．Investigation of the mechanisms underlying postoperative filtration bleb scarring in glaucoma surgery
5．Studies on the pathophysiology of age-related macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa
6．Development of novel therapeutic approaches for corneal infections
7．Clinical research in each subspecialty clinic
【Photo explanation】In the outpatient clinic, we discuss the diagnosis and treatment of ophthalmic diseases between patient consultations.
【Photo explanation】View of an ophthalmology research laboratory
