Improving surgery outcomes for eyelid conditions using smartphone technology

Using Image Recognition Technology and Smartphones to Improve Trichiasis Surgery Outcomes

NIH-funded research Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-10707382

This study is testing a new mobile tool that helps eye nurses in Nigeria check how well trichiasis surgery went right after it's done, so they can make any needed adjustments and improve results for patients with eyelid issues.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniv of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chapel Hill, United States)
Project IDNIH-10707382 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research aims to enhance the outcomes of trichiasis surgery by developing a mobile health tool that provides immediate feedback to eye nurses performing the surgery. In Nigeria, where many individuals suffer from trachomatous trichiasis, this tool will help assess the eyelid's appearance right after surgery, guiding health workers on whether further adjustments are needed. The project leverages advanced image recognition technology to analyze eyelid conditions with high accuracy, ensuring better surgical results for patients in rural areas with limited healthcare access.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals in Nigeria suffering from trachomatous trichiasis who require surgical intervention.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have trachomatous trichiasis or those who are not in need of surgical correction will not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

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

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results with similar image recognition approaches in predicting surgical outcomes, indicating a potential for success in this novel application.

Where this research is happening

Chapel Hill, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.