How nerves keep the eye surface healthy
Understanding neural control of the ocular surface
['FUNDING_U01'] · CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11176039
Researchers are developing new tools to learn how nerves control the eye surface and tear production to help people with dry, painful eyes.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_U01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CLEVELAND, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11176039 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project will create new lab models and imaging methods to map the nerves that sense the cornea and control tears and blinking. Scientists will use animal models, cellular techniques, and advanced imaging to trace the circuits from the eye to sensory ganglia and brain regions. They will examine how injury, inflammation, or nerve damage changes signals that protect the ocular surface and cause abnormal sensation or pain. Findings will be linked to human biology where possible to point toward targets for future treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with dry eye symptoms, reduced tear production, corneal nerve injury, or chronic ocular surface pain would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: Patients whose problems are limited to unrelated eye conditions (for example, isolated retinal disease or cataract without ocular surface issues) are unlikely to benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new targets or tests that reduce chronic eye pain and improve tear film and ocular surface health.
How similar studies have performed: Past research has linked corneal nerve damage to dry eye and ocular pain, but the integrated tools and models proposed here are relatively new and less tested in patients.
Where this research is happening
CLEVELAND, UNITED STATES
- CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY — CLEVELAND, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: JENKINS, MICHAEL W. — CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: JENKINS, MICHAEL W.
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.