A new device for quickly diagnosing corneal ulcers
Official title: Portable In vivo Confocal Ophthalmoscope (PICO) for Accurate and Rapid Diagnosis of Corneal Ulcer
Funded at University of Arizona · NIH-10761733 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new portable device that helps doctors quickly and accurately find out what’s causing corneal ulcers, which can lead to blindness if not treated right away, making it easier for patients to get the right care.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2022 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $316,642 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY033349-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10761733 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing symptoms of corneal ulcers, particularly those at risk of infections caused by fungi or Acanthamoeba.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with corneal ulcers caused by non-infectious factors or those who do not have access to the diagnostic device may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a Portable In vivo Confocal Ophthalmoscope (PICO) to improve the diagnosis of corneal ulcers, which can lead to blindness if not treated promptly. The device aims to provide accurate and rapid identification of the organisms causing these ulcers, such as fungi and Acanthamoeba parasites. By utilizing advanced imaging techniques, the PICO can visualize the causative agents directly in the cornea, offering a significant improvement over traditional diagnostic methods that are often slow and inaccurate. This innovative approach is being led by a team of experts in ophthalmology and optical engineering.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to faster and more accurate diagnoses of corneal ulcers, potentially preventing blindness in millions of patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies using in vivo confocal microscopy have shown high diagnostic accuracy, indicating that this approach has the potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Arizona
Tucson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kang, Dongkyun — University of Arizona
- Study coordinator: Kang, Dongkyun
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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.