3D, ultra-fast imaging of corneal mechanics to help eye disease
Official title: Optical Coherence Elastography of the Cornea
Funded at University of Houston · NIH-11392313 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new, noncontact 3D imaging method would measure how the cornea behaves mechanically in real time, helping diagnose and manage eye diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2012 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $667,443 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY022362-14 |
| Project ID | NIH-11392313 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with or at risk for keratoconus, myopia progression, or post-refractive surgery changes who may benefit from improved corneal biomechanical assessment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without corneal diseases or who will not undergo imaging-based biomechanical assessment may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to develop a fast, noncontact technique that maps corneal stiffness and viscoelasticity in 3D. It uses advanced optical coherence tomography, interference of mechanical waves, and ultra-sensitive detection to create high-resolution, real-time measurements of the cornea. If successful, clinicians could better assess conditions like myopia-related changes, keratoconus, and risks after refractive surgery. The work builds on prior methods and seeks to translate them into a routine diagnostic tool with potential impact on patient care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could receive more accurate assessments of corneal health and risk, improving diagnosis and treatment decisions.
How similar studies have gone: Earlier work showed promising measurements of corneal elasticity in vivo; this project aims to advance to full 3D, real-time assessment, which is more impactful but equally building on prior findings.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Houston
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Larin, Kirill V — University of Houston
- Study coordinator: Larin, Kirill V
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.