How airborne particles affect eye health and infections
Official title: Airborne Particulates, Corneal Oxidative Stress and Infection
Funded at Wayne State University · NIH-10922725 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how tiny particles in the air can harm your eyes and make you more likely to get infections, and it’s testing a new treatment that might help protect your eyes from these effects, so you can better understand how air quality impacts your eye health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wayne State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Detroit, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $394,376 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY035231-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10922725 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals experiencing eye conditions such as keratitis, dry eye, or conjunctivitis, particularly those living in areas with high air pollution.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with eye conditions unrelated to environmental factors or those living in areas with good air quality may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of airborne particulate matter (PM10) on eye health, particularly its role in causing oxidative stress and increasing the risk of bacterial infections in the cornea. The study aims to understand the mechanisms by which PM10 triggers harmful reactions in the eye, leading to inflammation and heightened susceptibility to infections. By using a novel antioxidant treatment, the researchers hope to reverse the damaging effects caused by these airborne pollutants. Patients may benefit from insights into how air quality affects their eye health and potential new treatments for related conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for eye conditions exacerbated by air pollution, enhancing overall eye health.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific mechanisms of PM10's effects on eye health are not extensively studied, related research has shown that air pollution can negatively impact respiratory and cardiovascular health, indicating a potential for similar findings in ocular health.
Where this research is happening
-
Wayne State University
Detroit, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hazlett, Linda D — Wayne State University
- Study coordinator: Hazlett, Linda D
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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.