Investigating blood flow in the optic nerve head to understand glaucoma
Official title: High-Resolution Flow Imaging of Optic Nerve Head and Retrolaminar Microvascular Circulation
Funded at University of Southern California · NIH-10923854 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how high pressure in the eye affects blood flow to the optic nerve, which is important for people with glaucoma, and it uses advanced imaging to help us understand how different factors like age and race might play a role in this process.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 30, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $705,498 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY035084-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10923854 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with glaucoma or those at risk of developing the condition, particularly those with elevated intraocular pressure.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other unrelated eye conditions or those who do not have glaucoma or elevated intraocular pressure may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how elevated intraocular pressure affects blood flow in the optic nerve head, which is crucial for patients with glaucoma. By utilizing advanced imaging techniques, including high-resolution flow imaging, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms behind optic nerve damage and how various factors like age and race influence this process. Patients will be monitored using state-of-the-art optical coherence tomography (OCT) to visualize blood circulation in the eye, providing insights that could lead to better management of glaucoma. The goal is to enhance our understanding of glaucoma's impact on vision and develop improved diagnostic tools.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better diagnostic methods and treatments for glaucoma, potentially preserving vision for millions of patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research using advanced imaging techniques like OCT has shown promise in understanding ocular conditions, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights into glaucoma as well.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhou, Qifa — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Zhou, Qifa
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.