Chief Supervisor

Prof. Rachel CHUN

Project Title

Synopsis

High myopia (HM), defined as a spherical equivalent refraction (SER) ≤ –5.00 D or –6.00 D, is expected to affect nearly 1 billion people worldwide by 2050. HM causes axial elongation and degenerative changes in the retina and choroid, substantially increasing the risk of maculopathy, choroidal neovascularization, retinal detachment, and irreversible vision loss.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) provides a potential therapeutic strategy by regulating liver, spleen, and kidney functions and improving ocular microcirculation. Herbs such as Goji berry have demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects, helping to delay retinal and choroidal damage. However, systematic research and standardized treatment protocols remain limited, highlighting the need for experimental validation.
This project combines data mining of classical TCM formulas with experimental studies. Core herbal combinations will be evaluated in high myopia guinea pig models, focusing on retinochoroidal lesions and choroidal blood flow. Proteomic analysis will further identify differential protein expressions and elucidate the molecular pathways involved. The ultimate goal is to establish scientific evidence for TCM-based interventions in the prevention and treatment of HM-related retinal and choroidal diseases.