Exploring how the nervous system controls the eye's surface health
Understanding neural control of the ocular surface
This study is looking at how the nerves in your eyes help keep them healthy and comfortable, especially when it comes to tear production and blinking, to better understand dry eye disease and find new ways to help people who suffer from it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Case Western Reserve University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10915035 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which the nervous system regulates the health of the ocular surface, including the tear film and associated glands. By utilizing advanced technologies and models, the study aims to uncover how sensory feedback from the corneal nerves influences tear production and the blink reflex. The research seeks to understand how disruptions in this neural control can lead to conditions like dry eye disease and associated pain. Ultimately, the goal is to identify potential therapeutic targets to restore normal function.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals experiencing symptoms of dry eye disease or other ocular surface disorders.
Not a fit: Patients with ocular surface conditions unrelated to neural control or those without symptoms of dry eye may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for patients suffering from dry eye disease and related conditions.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific neural control mechanisms of the ocular surface are not extensively studied, similar approaches in understanding nerve-related conditions have shown promise in other areas of research.
Where this research is happening
Cleveland, United States
- Case Western Reserve University — Cleveland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jenkins, Michael W. — Case Western Reserve University
- Study coordinator: Jenkins, Michael W.
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 below.