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Vision and hearing disorders samples and experimental services

What are eye disorders?

Eye disorders are medical conditions that affect the eyes and vision. They can range from mild conditions such as dry eyes and conjunctivitis (pink eye) to serious and potentially blinding conditions like glaucoma and macular degeneration.

What are ENT disorders?

Ear, nose, and throat (ENT) disorders are medical conditions that affect the ear, nose, and throat. They include a wide range of conditions, from minor, short-term problems like ear infections and sinusitis, to chronic conditions that can significantly impact a person's quality of life. 

 

Eye and ENT research is a very active area of scientific investigation, with ongoing efforts to understand the underlying mechanisms of various eye and ENT disorders and develop new treatments to improve patient outcomes.
In the field of ophthalmology (eye disorders), ongoing research is focused on several key areas, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and glaucoma. In the field of otolaryngology (ENT disorders), ongoing research is focused on several key areas, including hearing loss and head and neck cancer.

What types of samples are used in Vision or Hearing disorder research?

In eye and ENT disorder research, several types of biological specimens are used to study the underlying mechanisms and diagnose the condition. The following are some of the most common types of samples used in vision and hearing disorder research:

Blood samples

Blood samples can be used to analyze genetic and other biomarkers that may be associated with various vision and hearing disorders. They can also be used to monitor treatment response and disease progression.



Tissue samples

Tissue samples can be obtained from various parts of the eye or ear to study the structure and function of these organs. For example, retinal tissue samples can be obtained from patients with retinal diseases to study the mechanisms underlying these conditions.



Body fluids

Samples of various body fluids, such as tears, saliva, or cerebrospinal fluid, can be used to analyze biomarkers that may be associated with vision or hearing disorders.



Imaging samples

Various imaging techniques, such as MRI, CT, or ultrasound, can be used to obtain images of the eye or ear that can be used to study the structure and function of these organs. These images can be used to monitor disease progression or treatment response.



Behavioral samples

For hearing research, behavioral tests can be performed to assess hearing sensitivity, sound localization, and other aspects of auditory function. For vision research, behavioral tests can be performed to assess visual acuity, color vision, and other aspects of visual function.



Overall, the types of samples used in vision and hearing disorder research can vary widely depending on the specific research questions and goals of the study. The use of multiple types of samples and techniques is often necessary to gain a comprehensive understanding of these complex disorders.

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Available types of eye, ear, neck and throat disorders biological samples

  • Tissues
    • Fresh tissues
    • Frozen tissues (OCT and FF)
    • FFPE tissues
    • Healthy tissues
  • Blood derivatives
    • Whole blood
    • PBMC
    • Plasma
    • Serum
    • Leukapheresis
  • Biofluids
    • Urine
    • Stool/Feces
    • Saliva
    • Mucosal swabs
Our service identifies sample sources able to prepare and transfer a sample collection for any given project. Just ask our team to discuss your project!

Types of Collections

  • Retrospective: we can look into existing biobank collections 
  • Prospective: we can set up clinical collection specific to a given project

Experimental models used in otolaryngology and ophthalmology disorder R&D

Experimental models are an essential part of otolaryngology and ophthalmology research and development (R&D) as they provide a way to study disease mechanisms, test new treatments and interventions, and evaluate the safety and efficacy of potential therapeutics. Here are some common experimental models used in otolaryngology and ophthalmology R&D:


Cell culture models: In vitro cell cultures are used to study the behavior of individual cells in response to different treatments or stimuli. In ophthalmology, retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells, corneal epithelial cells, and other cell types are commonly used in cell culture experiments. In otolaryngology, cell cultures are used to study inner ear hair cells and other cell types involved in hearing and balance.


Animal models: in vivo models are used to study the effects of diseases or interventions on the whole organism. Common animal models in ophthalmology include mice, rats, and rabbits, which are used to study a wide range of ocular diseases and test new treatments. In otolaryngology, animal models are used to study hearing loss, balance disorders, and other conditions. Zebrafish are also commonly used as a model for inner ear development and function.

Imaging models:  in vivo imaging techniques, such as optical coherence tomography (OCT), confocal microscopy, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), are used to study the structure and function of the eye and ear in living subjects. These techniques can be used to monitor disease progression, evaluate treatment response, and study the mechanisms underlying various disorders.


Overall, experimental models are an essential tool in otolaryngology and ophthalmology R&D, as they provide a way to study disease mechanisms, test new treatments, and evaluate the safety and efficacy of potential therapeutics.

 

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Typical deliverables

  • Feasibility of availability of samples or experimental services
  • Regulatory aspects (transfer authorizations, export authorizations, ethics committee agreement)
  • Contracting
  • Samples shipment in appropriate conditions
  • Clinical data or results
  • Other services (i.e. Nucleic acid extraction, quality control)

 

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Get started with your vision and hearing diseases research request

Please answer the fields below to be contacted by our team of scientists

Our team will handle your R&D procurement from the beginning to the end

Perform a feasibility study by looking for existing samples already in collections & ready to be transferred

Set up a clinical biological collection and preparing contracts with sources

Assist the material transfer from the source to the lab, including treatments, QA or shipping, as needed

Some examples of otolaryngology and ophthalmology disorders

Otolaryngology and ophthalmology disorders are common, and their prevalence varies depending on the specific disorder and the population being studied. Here are some examples of the prevalence of common otolaryngology and ophthalmology disorders. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 466 million people worldwide have disabling hearing loss. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss in older adults. In the United States, approximately 11 million people have some form of AMD.

 
Hearing loss is a disorder that affects a person's ability to hear sounds. It can occur in one or both ears and can range from mild to profound. There are different types of hearing loss, including conductive, sensorineural, and mixed hearing loss.
Conductive hearing loss occurs when sound waves are not able to reach the inner ear due to a problem in the outer or middle ear, such as a blockage or damage to the ear drum. This type of hearing loss can often be treated medically or surgically.
Sensorineural hearing loss is caused by damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve that connects the ear to the brain. This type of hearing loss is usually permanent and can be caused by aging, exposure to loud noise, infections, certain medications, or genetic factors.
 
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common eye condition that affects the macula, the part of the retina responsible for central vision. AMD is more common in older adults, and it is a leading cause of vision loss in people over the age of 50. There are two main types of AMD: dry AMD and wet AMD. Dry AMD is more common and progresses more slowly, while wet AMD is less common but more aggressive and can lead to more rapid vision loss. In dry AMD, small deposits called drusen accumulate in the macula, causing it to thin and deteriorate over time. As the macula deteriorates, central vision may become blurred or distorted, and some people may develop a blind spot in the center of their visual field. In wet AMD, abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina, causing bleeding, fluid leakage, and scarring that can damage the macula and cause rapid vision loss. Wet AMD is considered more severe than dry AMD, and prompt treatment is important to prevent vision loss.
 
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that can cause damage to the optic nerve and lead to vision loss. The optic nerve is responsible for transmitting visual information from the eye to the brain, and damage to this nerve can result in permanent vision loss. Glaucoma is often associated with elevated pressure inside the eye, known as intraocular pressure. However, some people with glaucoma may have normal intraocular pressure, and not everyone with elevated intraocular pressure will develop glaucoma. Other risk factors for glaucoma include age, family history, and certain medical conditions. There are several types of glaucoma, including open-angle glaucoma, which is the most common type of glaucoma, accounting for about 90% of cases. In open-angle glaucoma, the drainage channels in the eye become clogged over time, leading to a gradual increase in intraocular pressure and damage to the optic nerve. In angle-closure glaucoma, the iris is positioned too close to the drainage channels in the eye, blocking the flow of fluid and causing a sudden increase in intraocular pressure. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment to prevent permanent vision loss. Normal-tension glaucoma occurs when damage to the optic nerve and vision loss occur despite normal intraocular pressure.