Eye drops that protect vision in glaucoma
Official title: A Novel Neuroprotective Approach for Glaucoma
Funded at University of North Texas Hlth Sci Ctr · NIH-11259508 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project tests special eye drops that turn into a natural estrogen inside the retina to protect nerve cells and help people with glaucoma keep their sight.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of North Texas Hlth Sci Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fort Worth, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2016 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $432,467 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY027005-09 |
| Project ID | NIH-11259508 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for future human testing would be people with glaucoma or those at high risk of retinal ganglion cell loss who are interested in neuroprotective treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with types of vision loss not driven by retinal ganglion cell degeneration, or those ineligible for clinical trials for medical reasons, may not receive benefit.
What this research studies
From a patient's point of view, researchers are developing an eye-drop prodrug (called DHED) that becomes 17β-estradiol only inside the retina so the rest of the body sees little or no hormone. In animal models of glaucoma, these drops protected retinal ganglion cells from dying and prevented vision loss. The team uses proteomics to confirm the drops engage the hormone-responsive targets in the retina and studies how estrogen loss and high eye pressure affect retinal vulnerability. The goal is to turn these lab findings into a safe treatment that preserves vision.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to eye drops that slow or prevent vision loss from glaucoma by protecting retinal nerve cells.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical animal studies have shown local production of 17β‑estradiol from DHED and protection of retinal ganglion cells, but this approach has not yet been proven in people.
Where this research is happening
-
University of North Texas Hlth Sci Ctr
Fort Worth, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Prokai, Katalin T — University of North Texas Hlth Sci Ctr
- Study coordinator: Prokai, Katalin T
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
IOP and CSF Pressure in Glaucoma Risk
This grant studies how eye pressure and cerebrospinal fluid pressure together influence glaucoma risk and vision loss.
-
Comparing tube positions in glaucoma implants to protect corneal cells
This trial compares two tube placements for glaucoma drainage implants to see which better protects corneal cells and controls eye pressure in people with uncontrolled glaucoma.
-
Automated topographic test for glaucoma detection and progression
A new automated method uses topographic structure-function mapping to help diagnose glaucoma earlier and track its progression in patients.
-
Using AI on eye scans and genes to predict glaucoma risk
This project uses artificial intelligence on eye scans, vision tests, and genetic information to find people most likely to develop or have worsening glaucoma.
-
AI-based glaucoma screening in community health centers
A new, easy-to-use AI screening approach will be tested in federally funded health centers to help identify people at risk for glaucoma, especially in communities with higher risk.
-
Understanding how glaucoma genes control eye cell function
A long-term research project will study how genetic factors affect eye cells in adults with glaucoma to uncover new ideas for protecting vision.
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.