NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Improving outcomes of repeat eyelid surgery for trichiasis

Official title: Maximizing Outcomes of Repeat Trichiasis Surgery Performed by Integrated Eye Care Workers

Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-11030616 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking to find out which of two surgical methods works better for people in Tanzania who have had previous surgeries for trichiasis, a condition that causes eyelids to turn inward and can lead to blindness.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniv of North Carolina Chapel Hill
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chapel Hill, United States)
Project startMay 1, 2025
Project endApril 30, 2030
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$1,709,606
NIH project number1UG1EY036891-01
Project IDNIH-11030616 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have previously undergone surgery for trichiasis and are experiencing post-operative trichiasis.

Less likely to help

Patients who have not had trichiasis surgery or those with other unrelated eye conditions may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on enhancing the effectiveness of repeat surgeries for trichiasis, a condition that can lead to blindness due to eyelids turning inward. The study will compare two surgical techniques: the newly developed Bevel-Rotate Advancement Procedure (B-RAP) and the standard bilamellar tarsal rotation (BLTR). By involving a group of trained district surgeons in Tanzania, the research aims to determine which technique yields better surgical success rates. Patients who have undergone previous trichiasis surgery will be enrolled to assess the outcomes of these procedures.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the rate of post-operative complications and improve the quality of life for patients suffering from trichiasis.

How similar studies have gone: Previous clinical trials have shown promising results with the B-RAP technique, indicating potential for improved outcomes compared to traditional methods.

Where this research is happening

  • Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
    Chapel Hill, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Gower, Emily W — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
  • Study coordinator: Gower, Emily W

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About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.