A focus on the past, present and future of lens research

The lens plays such an important role within our lives that it should be a prominent and showcased topic of research. The lens has long served as a valuable tool to understand development and serves as a valuable model of cell and tissue aging. Conditions of the lens, such as cataract which affects tens of millions, and presbyopia that surpasses a billion affected individuals, impact on the well-being of people and society as a whole. Cataract surgery is the most common surgical procedure on earth. However, it is blighted by wound-healing responses that reduce visual quality in millions of patients and require correction by further surgery. Thus, there remains considerable need to advance knowledge of the healthy lens and lens disorders to ultimately improve patient management and wellbeing.

This research topic aims to reflect on past discoveries/achievements that have laid the foundation of current knowledge and explore future directions, technologies and therapies. Through a collection of works we aim to: recognize significant researchers and advances that opened up many lines of research actively investigated today; capture current knowledge and insight of key lens research themes; introduce new technologies; and explore future strategies to improve lens research to the benefit of individual patients and society as a whole.

All topics relevant to the lens are welcome. Contributions should largely provide perspectives and reviews. Articles that highlight significant advances or emerging technologies will also be considered. Ultimately, submissions should aim to bring together past and present lens research as a basis for future directions.

Topics of interest include, but not limited to the following:

• Lens development
• Lens anatomy and ultrastructure
• Lens biomechanics
• Optical properties of the lens
• Channels, barriers, and fluid circulation in the lens
• Proteomics
• Genomics
• Growth factors and signalling pathways
• Presbyopia
• Cataract formation
• Redox biology in the lens
• Lens regeneration, stem cells, and organoids
• Cataract surgery
• Intraocular lenses
• Posterior Capsule Opacification
• Health Economics and social impact of lens disorders

Keywords: Lens, Cataract, Posterior Capsule Opacification, Transparency, Development, Proteomics, Channels, Genomics, Aging, Presbyopia, Accommodation, Cataract Surgery, Differentiation

Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.