How the eye's lens changes shape and stiffness with age
Biomechanics of Lens Morphogenesis
This work measures how the human eye's lens stiffens and changes shape as adults get older, which leads to reading difficulties (presbyopia) and raises cataract risk.
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-11163245 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will examine human lenses from people across adult ages to measure how the lens and its outer capsule change in stiffness and volume over time. They will combine laboratory measurements on donated lenses with computer models that treat the lens like a soft tissue constrained by its capsule. The team will use a new growth-based theory to explain how interactions between the inner lens fibers and the capsule shape the lens as it ages. Results aim to explain why lenses lose focus with age and why that increases cataract risk.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults aged 21 and older—especially older adults with presbyopia or cataracts or those willing to donate eye tissue—are the most relevant group for this work.
Not a fit: People under 21, those with eye problems unrelated to the lens (for example, retinal diseases), or anyone needing an immediate treatment are unlikely to receive direct benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to better lens designs, surgical approaches, or preventive strategies to delay presbyopia and age-related cataracts.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research has linked increased lens stiffness to presbyopia and cataracts, but applying a new constrained-growth biomechanical model to human lenses is a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Columbus, UNITED STATES
- Ohio State University — Columbus, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Reilly, Matthew a — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Reilly, Matthew a
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.