How the optic nerve head moves with eye pressure in glaucoma
Biomechanics of the Human Optic Nerve Head for Glaucoma Biomarkers.
['FUNDING_R01'] · JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY · NIH-11110330
This project will see if tissue movements at the back of the eye when pressure changes can help predict optic nerve damage in people with open-angle glaucoma.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11110330 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You would have high-resolution eye images taken using a scan called spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT). Scans will be done at different stages of glaucoma and before and after controlled changes in eye pressure to measure how the optic nerve head and surrounding tissues deform. The team will use these measurements and computer models to link tissue biomechanics to the risk of retinal nerve fiber injury. Their goal is to find imaging signs that could act as biomarkers to signal higher risk of progression.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with primary open-angle glaucoma at various stages who can attend imaging visits and tolerate brief eye-pressure changes during testing.
Not a fit: People without glaucoma, those with other types of glaucoma (like angle-closure) not targeted by the study, or those unable to undergo the imaging or pressure-related procedures may not benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help doctors identify people at higher risk of glaucoma damage earlier so treatment can be targeted sooner.
How similar studies have performed: Smaller prior studies have shown OCT can detect tissue deformation with pressure changes, but using these biomechanics measurements as reliable predictors of nerve damage is still an emerging and not yet established approach.
Where this research is happening
BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES
- JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY — BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: NGUYEN, THAO D — JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: NGUYEN, THAO D
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.