Improving corneal treatment for keratoconus using advanced techniques
Official title: Advanced transepithelial corneal collagen crosslinking
Funded at Oregon Health & Science University · NIH-10741684 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new way to improve a treatment for keratoconus that helps strengthen the cornea without removing any surface cells, aiming to make the procedure safer and help you heal better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $412,285 |
| NIH project number | 1R21EY034330-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10741684 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with keratoconus who are experiencing progressive vision loss.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable keratoconus who do not require intervention or those with other unrelated eye conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing a procedure called transepithelial corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) to treat keratoconus, a condition that weakens the cornea and affects vision. The innovative approach aims to deliver riboflavin, oxygen, and UV light more effectively without removing the corneal surface cells, which can lead to complications. By using advanced technology, the researchers hope to improve the effectiveness of the treatment and reduce the risks associated with the standard procedure. Patients may experience better healing and fewer side effects as a result of this new method.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer and more effective treatments for patients with keratoconus, potentially preserving their vision and reducing the need for corneal transplants.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that corneal collagen crosslinking can effectively halt the progression of keratoconus, but this specific advanced transepithelial approach is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Oregon Health & Science University
Portland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Huang, David — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Huang, David
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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.