Investigating eye injuries and vision loss in veterans
Official title: BLRD Research Career Scientist Award Application
Funded at VA Western New York Healthcare System · NIH-10948923 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how eye injuries affect vision in veterans from recent conflicts and aims to find ways to help prevent or slow down vision loss, while also exploring genetic eye conditions like retinitis pigmentosa.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA Western New York Healthcare System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Buffalo, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2021 |
| Project end | September 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5IK6BX005787-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10948923 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include veterans who have experienced eye injuries or visual deficits related to their military service.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with visual impairments not related to traumatic injuries or hereditary conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the impact of traumatic injuries to the eye and visual system, particularly in veterans who have served in recent conflicts. The lab aims to explore the molecular and cellular mechanisms that lead to vision loss due to these injuries, as well as to identify potential pharmacological treatments to prevent or slow down this loss. With over 37 years of experience in eye research, the principal investigator is dedicated to addressing the significant visual deficits faced by many veterans, including those resulting from traumatic brain injuries. The research also includes studies on hereditary conditions like retinitis pigmentosa to uncover their underlying causes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that help preserve or restore vision in individuals affected by traumatic eye injuries.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding and treating vision loss related to traumatic injuries, making this work a continuation of established efforts in the field.
Where this research is happening
-
VA Western New York Healthcare System
Buffalo, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fliesler, Steven J. — VA Western New York Healthcare System
- Study coordinator: Fliesler, Steven J.
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.