Investigating new treatments for dry eye disease

Human Ocular Surface Electrophysiology

NIH-funded research University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11015055

This study is looking for new ways to help people with dry eye disease feel better by improving tear production, using lab techniques and tests with real people to find effective treatments.

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Francisco NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Francisco, United States)
Project IDNIH-11015055 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing new therapies for dry eye disease (DED), a condition that affects tear film stability and causes discomfort. The project involves training in ocular surface electrophysiology and using human corneal epithelial cell cultures to explore how to enhance tear fluid secretion. By employing innovative methods to measure electrical potentials in the ocular surface, the research aims to identify and advance drug candidates that could improve the management of DED. The work will also include clinical studies involving human subjects to validate findings from laboratory models.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 21 and older who experience symptoms of dry eye disease.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to dry eye disease or those under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for dry eye disease, improving the quality of life for patients suffering from this condition.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using electrophysiological methods to study ocular surface conditions, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

San Francisco, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions burden of disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.