Sharon Denise Solomon, M.D.

Dr. Solomon’s research is aimed at better understanding the pathophysiology of how idiopathic macular holes develop and to potentially develop targeted non-surgical therapy for this blinding condition.  The current treatment for idiopathic macular holes, which occur more commonly in women, involves surgery very often with prolonged face-down positioning.  While successful, surgery can be associated with significant complications such as cataract formation, increased eye pressure, retinal tears, and retinal detachment.

Because a gas bubble is placed in the eye during surgery to close the macular hole, patients have decreased vision for days after surgery and lose time from work because of the need for prolonged face-down positioning.

Dr. Solomon’s work is implementing proteomics analyses to understand the pathogenesis of macular hole formation.  If successful, this research may elucidate the pathophysiology of other surgical retinal diseases, such as vitreomacular traction, lamellar holes, and epiretinal membranes, all of which can cause decreased reading vision that requires surgical intervention. 

Dr. Solomon's initial research on macular holes has gained national attention and is being undertaken in a clinical trial that will involve medical centers across the country.