Investigating how ammonia exposure affects corneal injuries and potential treatments.
Official title: Soluble epoxide hydrolase and epoxide fatty acid involvement in corneal injury after ammonia exposure: Mechanisms of injury and potential therapeutics using sEH inhibitors and biostable EpFA mimics.
Funded at Augusta University · NIH-10917078 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how ammonia can hurt your eyes and cause serious injuries, and it’s testing new treatments that might help heal those injuries and reduce inflammation, especially for people who have been affected by ammonia exposure.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Augusta University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Augusta, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $470,622 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY035222-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10917078 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have experienced corneal injuries due to ammonia exposure or similar alkali wounds.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with corneal injuries not related to ammonia exposure or those with pre-existing severe eye conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the harmful effects of ammonia exposure on the cornea, which can lead to severe eye injuries and even blindness. The study aims to explore the mechanisms behind these injuries, particularly how soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) affects the healing process. Researchers will test potential treatments using sEH inhibitors and natural compounds that may help reduce inflammation and promote healing in corneal wounds caused by ammonia. By developing a better understanding of these processes, the research seeks to identify effective therapeutic strategies for patients suffering from ammonia-related corneal injuries.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly improve healing and reduce the risk of blindness from ammonia-induced corneal injuries.
How similar studies have gone: While there is limited research specifically on ammonia-induced corneal injuries, studies on similar pathways and treatments have shown promise in other contexts.
Where this research is happening
-
Augusta University
Augusta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Watsky, Mitchell a — Augusta University
- Study coordinator: Watsky, Mitchell a
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.