Dr. Mark Greiner's team at the University of Iowa initially began exploring the use of ubiquinol, an antioxidant, to prevent corneal cell death in donor corneas awaiting transplant.

Through their research, the team confirmed that corneal cells are sensitive to oxygen and in response collaborated with Dr. Ali Salem to create a stable form of ubiquinol to use as a storage medium to protect these cells in donor corneas awaiting transplant. 

As their research progressed the team saw the potential to apply this ubiquinol solution to patients' corneas directly, reducing the need for transplants altogether.

Dr. Greiner's research is supported by a dedicated team, including Dr. Jessica Skeie, Greg Schmidt, Hanna Shevalye, Tim Eggleston and a cadre of students, who contribute their expertise to the project. 

“Two-thirds of my budget is for our personnel, and not for my time or for the experiments,” Dr. Greiner explains.

The journey from discovery to clinical application is long and requires substantial resources. Private donors support the Greiner lab because its research has great potential to treat any eye diseases caused by oxygen damage.

Dr. Greiner emphasizes, “It is the people in my lab who really need the support. Philanthropy helps us pay for these world-class researchers who are essential to our success.”