Creating new methods to measure corneal stiffness for glaucoma diagnosis
Official title: Development of Robust Corneal Biomechanical Biomarkers for Glaucoma Using Brillouin Microscopy
Funded at University of Maryland Baltimore · NIH-10888544 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at new ways to measure the stiffness of the cornea to help doctors better understand and diagnose glaucoma, and it's for anyone who wants to learn more about how their eyes might be affected by this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $230,430 |
| NIH project number | 1R21EY035483-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10888544 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with primary open-angle glaucoma and age-matched healthy controls.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of glaucoma or those without any ocular conditions may not benefit directly from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing advanced techniques to measure the biomechanical properties of the cornea, which could lead to better understanding and diagnosis of glaucoma. Using a method called Brillouin microscopy, the researchers aim to assess how the cornea responds to pressure, independent of intraocular pressure (IOP) variations. By comparing corneal stiffness in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma to those without, the study seeks to establish reliable biomarkers for glaucoma detection. This could ultimately help in identifying patients at risk for glaucoma earlier and more accurately.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnostic tools for glaucoma, allowing for earlier intervention and potentially preserving vision.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using biomechanical properties as biomarkers for glaucoma, but this specific approach using Brillouin microscopy is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Maryland Baltimore
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Saeedi, Osamah Jawaid — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Saeedi, Osamah Jawaid
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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.