Imaging eye blood flow to guide tiny glaucoma surgeries
Official title: Imaging of episcleral venous blood flow for assessment of micro-invasive glaucoma surgery
Funded at Vasoptic Medical, INC. · NIH-11407312 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new imaging approach helps surgeons see eye blood flow during minimally invasive glaucoma surgery to improve outcomes for adults with glaucoma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vasoptic Medical, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2021 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $999,883 |
| NIH project number | 2R44EY032847-02A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11407312 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with glaucoma who are undergoing or being considered for microinvasive glaucoma surgery (MiGS).
✕Less likely to help
Patients not undergoing MiGS or those without eligible intraocular conditions may not experience direct benefits.
What this research studies
This project develops and tests a real-time imaging platform called VasoVUE that uses laser speckle contrast imaging, high contrast reflectance imaging, and fluorescence to visualize episcleral venous blood flow during MiGS. In early work with animals, changes in intraocular pressure were linked to changes in eye blood flow and to the success of certain MIGS steps. The next phase plans two clinical studies: one to characterize blood flow changes related to glaucoma and MIGS, and another to test intraoperative measurement feasibility and its ability to predict long-term pressure reduction. If successful, this could help ophthalmologists tailor MIGS procedures to each patient’s eye dynamics.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could experience better-controlled eye pressure and fewer complications from glaucoma surgeries due to real-time, personalized guidance.
How similar studies have gone: Previous animal studies showed that intraoperative imaging of blood flow related to eye pressure changes; human feasibility is being tested in this project.
Where this research is happening
-
Vasoptic Medical, INC.
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rege, Abhishek — Vasoptic Medical, INC.
- Study coordinator: Rege, Abhishek
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
IOP and CSF Pressure in Glaucoma Risk
This grant studies how eye pressure and cerebrospinal fluid pressure together influence glaucoma risk and vision loss.
-
Comparing tube positions in glaucoma implants to protect corneal cells
This trial compares two tube placements for glaucoma drainage implants to see which better protects corneal cells and controls eye pressure in people with uncontrolled glaucoma.
-
Automated topographic test for glaucoma detection and progression
A new automated method uses topographic structure-function mapping to help diagnose glaucoma earlier and track its progression in patients.
-
Using AI on eye scans and genes to predict glaucoma risk
This project uses artificial intelligence on eye scans, vision tests, and genetic information to find people most likely to develop or have worsening glaucoma.
-
AI-based glaucoma screening in community health centers
A new, easy-to-use AI screening approach will be tested in federally funded health centers to help identify people at risk for glaucoma, especially in communities with higher risk.
-
Understanding how glaucoma genes control eye cell function
A long-term research project will study how genetic factors affect eye cells in adults with glaucoma to uncover new ideas for protecting vision.
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.