Ongoing Research

“At ICIRC, the strong collaboration between clinician–scientists and basic researchers has positioned us globally as a unique translational research team, where challenges encountered at the bedside are effectively addressed and solved in the laboratory.”

Genetics of
Dead Bag Syndrome (DBS)

DBS is a rare, late-onset entity, following uncomplicated in-the-bag-IOL-implantation cataract surgery, characterized by spontaneous PCR and malposition of IOLs.
Our study aimed to investigate potential genetic variants associated with Dead Bag Syndrome (DBS).
We identified that 56.7% of DBS cases harboured genetic variants in either FBN2 gene or laminin genes (LAMB1 and LAMB2), with a higher burden (70.0%) observed in bilateral cases.
Genetic variants associated with dysregulation of LECs homeostasis is underway.

Genetics of
Posterior Polar Cataract

Posterior polar cataracts are characterized by a round discoid opacity located at the posterior pole of the lens.
The opacity typically appears as a central plaque, which can be clearly demarcated from the surrounding lens material. In some cases, it may be linked to remnants of the embryonic hyaloid artery or other developmental anomalies.
This condition can be congenital, either sporadic or familial, and is often associated with genetic factors.
Our study aimed to investigate potential genetic variants associated Posterior Polar Cataract.

The research at Iladevi Cataract & IOL Research Centre is far more than academic. It’s a commitment to restoring sight, preventing blindness, and improving quality of life. From rural communities to cutting-edge global conferences, Iladevi’s work is creating real change—helping children see clearly, making surgeries safer, and ensuring that even the most complex vision problems can be understood and managed.

As India continues to face rising health challenges—especially with diabetes and an aging population—this kind of impactful, science-based innovation is not just helpful; it’s essential.

The research at ICIRC is far more than academic. It’s a commitment to restoring sight, preventing blindness, and improving quality of life.

Our Commitment

From rural communities to global conferences, ICIRC’s work is creating real change—helping children see clearly, making surgeries safer, and ensuring that even the most complex vision problems can be understood and managed.

Globally Positioned

As India continues to face rising health challenges—especially with diabetes and diabetes related eye complications and Cancers—ICIRC intends to tackle such challenges with integrated scientific innovations.

Our Challenges

Persistent Fetal Vasculature (PFV) in Children – Unique model for understanding Cancer Angiogenesis and Prevention

Persistent Fetal Vasculature (PFV), a rare but serious developmental eye disorder.
Leads to childhood blindness due to the failure of regression of hyaloid blood vessels during eye development.
Arresten, canstatin, endostatin and tumstatin are the key affected anti-angiogenic molecules found in PFV.
These key anti-angiogenic factors also found to play role in blood vessel formation in cancers.
Given the overlap, our current research aims to:

Identify genetic and molecular signatures regulating the expression of Arresten, Canstatin, Endostatin and Tumstatin (anti-angiogenic factors) in PFV.

Develop immunotherapeutic approaches targeting these molecules, which could not only provide a treatment strategy for PFV but also offer potential applications in certain cancers where similar pathways are active.

This dual-focus study represents a promising avenue for translational research—bridging pediatric eye disease and oncology through shared molecular mechanisms.

Genetics of Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) is rapidly emerging as a major cause of vision loss in adults.
In India, the prevalence of diabetes is increasing at an alarming rate.
With millions at risk, the burden of DR on the healthcare is significantly growing.
Surprisingly, despite being in similar environment with common life-style factors not all individuals develop diabetes and diabetic related eye complications.

Mapping genetic and serum biomarkers associated with predisposition to diabetes.
Identifying the propensity of diabetic individuals to diabetic retinopathy (retinal damage, inflammation and abnormal blood vessel growth in the eye).

Establishing a dedicated Indian Genetic Database for Diabetic Retinopathy and other diabetes-related complications, to better understand the unique genetic patterns in the Indian population.

Developing personalized risk profiles based on an individual's genetic makeup, which would allow clinicians to implement targeted monitoring and preventive strategies before vision loss becomes irreversible.

This research has the potential to transform diabetic eye care in India by shifting from a one-size-fits-all approach to a personalized, predictive model of care—ultimately reducing blindness and improving quality of life for countless individuals across the country.

Ongoing Research

“At ICIRC, the strong collaboration between clinician–scientists and basic researchers has positioned us globally as a unique translational research team, where challenges encountered at the bedside are effectively addressed and solved in the laboratory.”

Genetics of
Dead Bag Syndrome (DBS)