The main research areas of the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science include microstructural and topographic analysis of the anterior segment (cornea, limbus, meibomian glands, conjunctiva) under normal conditions and in pathology, as well as microstructural analysis of the posterior segment in healthy individuals and in various disease states such as diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, vascular occlusions, and others.
Research is carried out using cutting-edge equipment, housed in the Microstructural Analysis Unit at the University Specialized Eye Hospital for Active Treatment – Varna. Some of the high-end technologies used for diagnosis and treatment include:
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT):
The department is equipped with the ZEISS CIRRUS HD-OCT 5000 – a high-resolution OCT device capable of up to 100,000 scans per second, offering HD visualization and OCT angiography. It enables comprehensive imaging of both anterior and posterior eye segments, creation of corneal topographic and pachymetric maps, and dynamic monitoring of retinal thickness and structure in the macular region. The system is utilized for the diagnosis and follow-up of conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, pigmentary glaucoma, and others.
In Vivo Confocal Microscopy:
The HRT3 Rostock Cornea Module (Heidelberg Engineering, Germany) is a unique laser confocal microscope in the country, providing real-time visualization of the anterior segment at the cellular level with up to 500x magnification. The technique is applied for early diagnosis of ocular surface disorders, assessment of structural changes in inflammatory, degenerative, and postoperative states, and monitoring therapeutic responses under various clinical protocols. This technology is integrated into both daily clinical practice and the department's scientific research.
Integrated Refractive Platform:
The university hospital is equipped with a combined laser platform consisting of the VisuMax® 800 (femtosecond laser) and MEL® 90 (excimer laser) by Carl Zeiss Meditec. The system is used for modern refractive procedures – ReLEx SMILE, Femto-LASIK, PRK – as well as for clinical and scientific developments in the field of personalized refractive surgery.
3D Surgical Visualization:
Artevo 800 (Carl Zeiss) – the first 3D ophthalmic surgical microscope in Bulgaria – offers ultra-high resolution and depth perception during ophthalmic surgery. It is used for both vitreoretinal interventions and anterior segment surgery, including corneal transplantation.
Currently, the department is conducting studies on patients with pigment dispersion syndrome and pigmentary glaucoma using anterior segment OCT and in vivo confocal microscopy. Similarly, patients with transplanted amniotic membranes are being followed. In recent years, the "BBQ" project was implemented, focusing on the impact of ultraviolet exposure on the ocular surface. A wide range of clinical studies is also being conducted to assess the effectiveness of various therapeutic approaches and pharmaceutical treatments, as well as studies related to the quality of life in patients with ocular diseases.
Tissue Bank
The University Specialized Eye Hospital for Active Treatment – Varna operates a licensed tissue bank that meets all national and European regulatory requirements. It provides a comprehensive cycle of processing, preservation, and distribution of tissues for transplantation and research purposes. The following activities are carried out:
- Processing and storage of corneal tissues for transplantation
- Preparation of amniotic membranes for ocular surface reconstruction
- Application of autologous limbal stem cells, cultivated on amniotic membranes
- Tissue quality assessment using the CellChek KONAN specular microscope, providing high-precision evaluation of endothelial cell density and morphology in donor corneas
The tissue bank serves as an essential platform for clinical and scientific work in the field of transplantation ophthalmology and regenerative medicine. It supports numerous research initiatives and educational programs aimed at training professionals in ocular tissue biology and surgery.
