Investigating the relationship between tear film thickness and dry eye symptoms
Official title: Correlating the microstructural thickness variations of the tear film lipid layer with clinical characteristics of dry eye with a novel optical method
Funded at University of South Florida · NIH-11132864 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the thickness of a special layer in your tears might be connected to dry eye symptoms, with the goal of finding better ways to spot dry eye early on, even before you feel any discomfort.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of South Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tampa, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $376,039 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY034990-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11132864 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals experiencing symptoms of dry eye or those at risk for developing dry eye disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with no symptoms of dry eye or those with other unrelated ocular conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how variations in the thickness of the tear film lipid layer relate to the clinical characteristics of dry eye disease (DED). Using a novel optical method, the study aims to identify microstructural changes in the tear film that may contribute to the onset and severity of dry eye symptoms. By examining these relationships, the research seeks to develop better diagnostic tools and biomarkers for early detection of DED, potentially before symptoms appear. Patients may undergo non-invasive imaging procedures to assess their tear film characteristics.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnostic methods for dry eye disease, allowing for earlier intervention and better management of symptoms.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using imaging techniques to assess tear film characteristics, indicating that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of South Florida
Tampa, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bai, Yuqiang — University of South Florida
- Study coordinator: Bai, Yuqiang
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Stabilizing the tear film to relieve evaporative dry eye
This project tests new ways to stabilize the tear film in people with evaporative dry eye, with the goal of longer-lasting comfort.
-
Understanding migraine and eye pain: how light and nerves cause discomfort in migraine and dry eye
A research project is studying why eye pain and sensitivity to light happen in people with migraine and dry eye, and how surgery to correct vision may contribute to these symptoms.
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A new way to understand evaporative dry eye
Researchers are building a lab model to better understand why people develop evaporative dry eye so treatments can be improved.
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Mitigating Dry Eye Symptoms by Improving Indoor Air Quality
Aimed at adults with dry eye symptoms, this study tests a low-cost, multi-faceted plan to improve indoor air and reduce eye discomfort.
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Understanding tear film thickness to help diagnose and manage dry eye
A study at a U.S. university will look at how the thin outer layer of tears changes in people with dry eye and how those changes relate to their symptoms and clinical signs.
-
Tear microRNA patterns in women and men with dry eye
Researchers will look at tiny RNA molecules in tear fluid from people with dry eye to find patterns linked to sex and race.
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.