Sharon Solomon is pursuing research to better understand the pathophysiology of idiopathic (spontaneously occurring) macular hole — a central opening in the macula that compromises the central vision necessary for performing essential tasks, such as reading, driving and seeing fine details. While age is a risk factor, idiopathic macular holes occur three to nine times more frequently in women. No one has ever been able to explain why this nongenetic macular disease has a sexual predilection.

Currently, the standard-of-care treatment for macular holes involves surgery, often with face-down positioning post-operatively for several days. Risks associated with surgery may include cataract formation, increased eye pressure, retinal tears and retinal detachment. Solomon is working to better understand exactly how and why macular holes form. Elucidating the pathophysiology of idiopathic macular hole formation may lead to targeted therapies with fewer potential side effects.

In her research, Solomon and basic science colleagues Richard Semba and Pingbo Zhang have employed proteomic analyses of surgically collected vitreous samples from patients affected with idiopathic macular holes. A discovery phase investigation comparing the proteome of the vitreous in patients with and without idiopathic macular holes showed variance in proteins that were upregulated and downregulated between the two groups. Such a finding has never before been described in the scientific literature. The DRCR Retina Network, sponsored by the National Eye Institute/National Institute of Health, is interested in exploring the preliminary findings of Solomon and her colleagues. A study of vitreous samples collected by hundreds of retina specialists across the country, with proteomic analyses performed by scientists at Wilmer, is underway. Solomon is protocol chair for this national study.

Last February, Solomon was honored on both the Senate and House floors at the State House in Annapolis with citations from Gov. Larry Hogan and the Assembly recognizing her as the first African American full professor in Wilmer history.