Investigating tear fluid differences in dry eye disease based on sex and race
Sex-specific Influences on tear microRNAs in dry eye disease
This study is looking at dry eye disease to find out how certain tiny molecules in your tears can help us understand the condition better and create personalized treatments, especially for women and specific racial groups who may be more affected.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Augusta University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Augusta, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11117178 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on dry eye disease (DED), which causes discomfort and vision problems, particularly affecting women and certain racial groups more severely. By analyzing tear fluid, which can be collected easily and non-invasively, the study aims to identify specific microRNAs and proteins that may serve as biomarkers for different subtypes of DED. The research will involve a large sample size of 800 participants to ensure diverse representation and will explore how these biomarkers correlate with disease severity. Ultimately, the goal is to develop personalized treatment strategies that consider individual differences in tear composition.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals experiencing symptoms of dry eye disease, particularly women and those from diverse racial backgrounds.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have dry eye disease or those who do not experience significant symptoms may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnosis and personalized treatment options for patients suffering from dry eye disease.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using biomarkers for various diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights for dry eye disease as well.
Where this research is happening
Augusta, United States
- Augusta University — Augusta, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sharma, Ashok — Augusta University
- Study coordinator: Sharma, Ashok
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 below.