Exploring the microbial communities on the eye's surface
Official title: Multi-method investigation and characterization of the ocular microbiome
Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-10868731 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at the tiny germs that live on the surface of your eyes, which we used to think were completely clean, to learn how they might help keep your eyes healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,200,972 |
| NIH project number | 5U24EY035067-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10868731 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with ocular conditions or those interested in understanding the health of their eyes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with no ocular health concerns or those who have undergone recent eye surgeries may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the microbial communities present on the ocular surface, which were previously thought to be sterile. By utilizing advanced multi-omic tools, the study aims to cultivate and characterize these microbial communities to understand their role in ocular health. The research will involve collecting samples from the eye and analyzing them to identify the types of microbes present and their potential functions. This approach seeks to fill the knowledge gap regarding the ocular microbiome and its implications for eye health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into how the ocular microbiome influences eye health and disease prevention.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been significant research on the gut microbiome, studies specifically focusing on the ocular microbiome are still emerging, making this approach relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: De Paiva, Cintia S. — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: De Paiva, Cintia S.
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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.