Investigating how outdoor air pollution affects eye health
Official title: Modeling the effect of outdoor air pollution on the health and function of the retina
Funded at University of Miami School of Medicine · NIH-10998444 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how increasing air pollution might affect eye health, especially for people with conditions like age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma, by using animal models to see how tiny particles in the air can cause stress and inflammation in the retina.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Miami School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Coral Gables, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $230,250 |
| NIH project number | 1R21EY036169-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10998444 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for age-related eye diseases, particularly those living in areas with high levels of air pollution.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with eye conditions unrelated to environmental factors or those living in low pollution areas may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the impact of rising outdoor air pollution levels on the health of the retina, particularly focusing on conditions like age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and glaucoma. By using animal models, the study aims to understand how fine particulate matter (PM2.5) contributes to oxidative stress and inflammation in the eye. The researchers will examine the molecular and cellular changes in the retina caused by both acute and chronic exposure to air pollution, as well as the body's protective responses. This work seeks to fill gaps in knowledge about pollution's effects on eye health and develop reproducible models for future studies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and prevention strategies for eye diseases linked to air pollution.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated a correlation between air pollution and eye diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield significant insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Miami School of Medicine
Coral Gables, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hackam, Abigail S — University of Miami School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Hackam, Abigail S
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.