Identification of Open Globe Injuries on the Battlefield

Triton Systems, Inc., will develop a diagnostic immunoassay device to detect ocular wounds to improve outcomes for both military warfighters and the civilian market. Successful identification of open globe injuries in a timely manner is associated with the necessary treatment that can be used to limit and prevent the onset of blindness in ocular injuries. In Phase II our team will develop an in vivo laceration/puncture injury model, and will be used to identify the appropriate biomarkers that are innate to the ocular leakage of the vitreous and aqueous and the associated inflammatory markers. The resulting ocular wound model will lead to the development of a device that will quickly and accurately detect specific molecular biomarkers on the surface of the tear film, conjunctival sac, lashes, etc. The developed device will 1) be easy to use without requiring special training, and therefore compatible with echelon 1 level of care, 2) be very small, compact, lightweight hand held system, 3) avoid the handling or manual processing of samples, i.e. no mixing of samples with reagents, and 4) be capable of collecting samples without exposing the injured eye to applied pressure or other potentially harmful condition.