Exploring how the nervous system controls the eye's surface health
Official title: Understanding neural control of the ocular surface
Funded at Case Western Reserve University · NIH-10915035 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 start | September 30, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,444,600 |
| NIH project number | 5U01EY034693-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10915035 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals experiencing symptoms of dry eye disease or other ocular surface disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with ocular surface conditions unrelated to neural control or those without symptoms of dry eye may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jenkins, Michael W. — Case Western Reserve University
- Study coordinator: Jenkins, Michael W.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Estrogen signaling and how the intestinal lining protects against injury
A study at Case Western Reserve University looks at how estrogen receptors in the gut lining help protect against intestinal injury and inflammatory bowel disease.
-
Diabetes: Long-term effects of intensive glucose control on complications
A long-term study follows adults with type 1 diabetes to see how keeping blood sugar close to normal affects eye, kidney, nerve, heart, and quality of life outcomes over many years.
-
Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications (EDIC) Study follow-up
This long-term study follows adults with type 1 diabetes to see how early intensive glucose control affects complications and quality of life over many years.
-
Role of THAP1 in brain cell support cells shaping brain development
Aims to understand how the THAP1 protein in oligodendrocyte lineage cells helps shape the brain’s environment and myelination during development, which may relate to a movement disorder called DYT6 dystonia.
-
New human monoclonal antibodies to stop malaria caused by Plasmodium vivax
A researcher team is developing human monoclonal antibodies to prevent and treat malaria from Plasmodium vivax, with a plan to test promising antibodies in primates and prepare for human trials.
-
PopCASE: A user-friendly tool to link cancer data for communities and researchers
Aimed at improving population cancer research, PopCASE helps connect patient cancer data with community information to inform better care and outreach.
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.