How eye pressure affects the optic nerve and the nearby sclera
Biomechanical Interplay between Optic Nerve Head and Peripapillary Sclera
This project uses a high-resolution ultrasound method to map how pressure changes stress in the optic nerve area for people with or at risk for glaucoma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11145727 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient viewpoint, researchers will apply high-resolution ultrasound elastography to measure mechanical strains across the optic nerve head and the surrounding peripapillary sclera. They will combine imaging with biomechanical modeling and laboratory experiments to see which scleral properties change how pressure is transmitted to the optic nerve. The work aims to link tissue stiffness and thickness with known risk factors like age, high myopia, and African American race. Findings are intended to point to new tissue-based ways to reduce pressure-related nerve damage beyond current pressure-lowering treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with glaucoma, those at high risk for glaucoma (for example older adults, people with high myopia, or African American patients), or patients interested in contributing imaging or clinical information to research would be ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People without glaucoma and no risk factors for optic nerve damage are unlikely to get direct benefit from this mechanistic research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new tissue targets or strategies to protect the optic nerve and slow vision loss in glaucoma patients.
How similar studies have performed: Prior computer models and lab studies suggest scleral stiffness affects optic nerve stress, but applying high-resolution ultrasound elastography to map these effects in intact eyes is a relatively new approach.
Where this research is happening
Columbus, UNITED STATES
- Ohio State University — Columbus, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liu, Jun — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Liu, Jun
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.