Investigating ways to restore vision by promoting optic nerve regeneration
Official title: Morphologic and Functional Assessment of Field-Potentiated Optic Nerve Regeneration
Funded at University of Southern California · NIH-11045620 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at new ways to help people who are legally blind because of optic nerve damage by using electric fields to encourage the growth and direction of nerve cells, which could lead to better vision through innovative treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | March 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $646,761 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY035715-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11045620 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who have experienced optic nerve injuries or diseases leading to vision loss.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with intact optic nerves or those whose vision loss is not related to optic nerve damage may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing new methods to restore vision for individuals who are legally blind due to optic nerve damage. It explores the use of electric fields to not only encourage the growth of damaged optic nerve axons but also to guide their direction towards intended targets. By combining this approach with existing neuro-regenerative strategies, the research aims to enhance the effectiveness of treatments for optic nerve injuries. Patients may benefit from improved visual function through innovative therapies that address both the growth and guidance of nerve cells.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to significant advancements in restoring vision for millions of individuals affected by optic nerve damage.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results using electric fields for nerve regeneration, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gokoffski, Kimberly K — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Gokoffski, Kimberly K
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.