Improving glaucoma implant surfaces to prevent scarring
Understanding and optimizing the influence of glaucoma drainage implant surface architecture and design to prevent post-operative fibrosis
Trying new glaucoma implant surface designs to lower scarring and complications after surgery for people with advanced glaucoma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11421501 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, researchers are redesigning the outer surfaces of glaucoma drainage implants so the eye tissue is less likely to form scar tissue that blocks the device. They will study surface patterns, stiffness, and biocompatible materials in the lab and in model systems to see which designs reduce fibrotic encapsulation. Advanced imaging and materials testing will be used to measure how eye cells respond to different surface architectures. The goal is to produce implant designs that give steadier eye pressure control after surgery and reduce the need for repeat procedures.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with advanced or surgical glaucoma who are candidates for trabeculectomy or glaucoma drainage implant procedures would be the most relevant future participants.
Not a fit: Those with mild glaucoma managed by eye drops or people who are not planning glaucoma surgery are unlikely to benefit directly from this project in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lower rates of post-operative scarring, reduce complications and reoperations, and help preserve vision after glaucoma surgery.
How similar studies have performed: Prior implant and biomaterials studies have shown promise in lab and animal models but human success has been limited, so this approach remains partly experimental.
Where this research is happening
Salt Lake City, United States
- Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah — Salt Lake City, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pitha, Ian Franz — Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Pitha, Ian Franz
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.