Krish got started in research by connecting with Dr. Kumar while working as an ophthalmic technician in his clinic. Dr. Kumar approached him about research and they got started talking about possible project ideas.

Krish’s project: A macular hole is an opening in the center of the retina that can impair central vision. Surgical repair involves removing a thin membrane from the retinal surface, using a dye to make it easier to see. This study compared long-term vision outcomes with two dyes, indocyanine green (ICG) and brilliant blue G (BBG). We reviewed records from 71 patients who underwent surgery performed by a single surgeon using ICG (21 patients) or BBG (50 patients). Statistical analyses compared vision at 24 months and how it changed throughout follow-up. At 3 months, the hole had closed in 90% of patients treated with ICG and 100% treated with BBG. There was no statistically significant difference in vision between the dye groups at 24 months (P = 0.564). Longitudinal analysis showed no significant effect of dye on visual acuity (P = 0.185) or how it changed over time (P = 0.127). Vision improved significantly over time in both groups (P < 0.001). These findings suggest that dye selection may be guided by surgeon preference without compromising visual outcomes.

Krish’s advice: “Cold emails are one way to get involved in research, but they aren’t the only way. I found research while working at a doctor’s office, somewhere I hadn’t expected to find it. Talk to classmates, professors, coworkers, and others about research, and let them know what interests you. You never know where an opportunity may present itself.”