Investigating how optical and neural factors contribute to nearsightedness in children
Official title: Peripheral optical and neural contributions to myopia development
Funded at University of Houston · NIH-10863846 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain visual factors affect nearsightedness in kids, using special contact lenses and tools to see how different sights can change eye growth, with the hope of finding ways to help prevent or slow down myopia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $436,771 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY034151-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10863846 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years who are at risk of developing myopia or are already experiencing nearsightedness.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are older than 11 years or those with pre-existing severe eye conditions unrelated to myopia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the mechanisms behind myopia, or nearsightedness, which is a leading cause of visual impairment in children. The study aims to explore how peripheral optical and neural factors influence the development of myopia, particularly in young individuals. Researchers will utilize advanced optical tools and customized contact lenses to assess how different visual environments affect eye growth and image quality. By identifying these mechanisms, the goal is to develop effective interventions to slow down or prevent the progression of myopia in children.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or managing myopia in children, potentially reducing the risk of severe visual impairment later in life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding myopia development, but this study aims to explore novel optical and neural contributions that have not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Houston
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yoon, Geunyoung — University of Houston
- Study coordinator: Yoon, Geunyoung
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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.