Improving glaucoma implant surfaces to prevent scarring
Official title: Understanding and optimizing the influence of glaucoma drainage implant surface architecture and design to prevent post-operative fibrosis
Funded at Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah · NIH-11421501 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 start | March 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $358,559 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY035669-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11421501 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with advanced or surgical glaucoma who are candidates for trabeculectomy or glaucoma drainage implant procedures would be the most relevant future participants.
✕Less likely to help
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.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
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
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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.