Investigating how fluid flows through the eye's drainage system to improve glaucoma treatment
Official title: Anatomical and functional imaging of the conventional outflow pathway
Funded at Northwestern University · NIH-11005695 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how fluid moves in the eye to help keep pressure in check and prevent glaucoma, using special imaging to see this process in real-time, which could lead to better and safer treatments for people with glaucoma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $53,974 |
| NIH project number | 5F30EY034033-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11005695 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with glaucoma who are seeking treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have glaucoma or those with advanced stages of the disease that are not amenable to surgical intervention may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the conventional outflow pathway in the eye, which is crucial for regulating intraocular pressure and preventing glaucoma-related blindness. By using advanced imaging techniques like visible-light optical coherence tomography (vis-OCT), the study aims to visualize and analyze the flow patterns of aqueous humor in real-time. This noninvasive approach will help identify factors that affect fluid drainage and could lead to improved surgical techniques for glaucoma treatment. The findings may enhance the effectiveness of minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries by providing insights into the physiological behavior of the outflow pathway.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better treatment options for glaucoma patients, potentially reducing the risk of blindness.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research using advanced imaging techniques has shown promise in improving understanding and treatment of glaucoma, suggesting that this approach could yield significant insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fang, Raymond — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Fang, Raymond
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.