Investigating lens mechanics in aging eyes to improve vision
Official title: Combining OCE and Brillouin microscopy to evaluate in vivo lens biomechanics in Presbyopia
Funded at University of Maryland Baltimore · NIH-11299264 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the eye's lens changes as we get older, especially for people who have trouble seeing things up close, and it uses special imaging tools to better understand these changes so we can find new ways to help improve vision.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $48,804 |
| NIH project number | 7F30EY035154-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11299264 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults experiencing presbyopia or related vision issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with presbyopia who are not interested in experimental treatments or those with other severe eye conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how the lens of the eye changes with age, particularly in relation to presbyopia, a common condition that affects the ability to focus on close objects. By using advanced imaging techniques like optical coherence elastography (OCE) and Brillouin microscopy, the study aims to measure the mechanical properties of the lens in real-time. This approach could help identify the underlying causes of presbyopia and guide the development of better treatments that restore the eye's ability to accommodate. Patients may be monitored for changes in lens stiffness and how these changes affect their vision.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for presbyopia, enhancing the quality of life for individuals affected by this condition.
How similar studies have gone: While the techniques used in this research are in early clinical stages, similar approaches have shown promise in other areas of ocular research.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Maryland Baltimore
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schumacher, Justin Scott — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Schumacher, Justin Scott
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Investigating lens mechanics in aging eyes to improve vision
This study is looking at how the eye's lens changes as we get older, especially for people who have trouble seeing things up close, and it hopes to find new ways to help improve vision for those affected by this common issue.
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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.