Macrophages and eye pressure: clearing a path to glaucoma prevention
Official title: Macrophages in Intraocular Pressure Homeostasis and Glaucoma
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11427533 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A Duke University team is studying how specific eye immune cells called macrophages help keep pressure in your eye stable to prevent glaucoma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | September 3, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $458,606 |
| NIH project number | 1R01EY039250-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11427533 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults, 21 years or older, with or at risk for elevated intraocular pressure or glaucoma who could contribute blood or eye tissue samples or participate in related studies.
✕Less likely to help
People without ocular hypertension or glaucoma may not directly benefit from this basic science work.
What this research studies
This project looks at how resident macrophages in the eye’s drainage tissue influence intraocular pressure and the risk of glaucoma. By studying the origins and functions of these cells, researchers aim to map how they maintain tissue balance and what goes wrong in ocular hypertension. The work combines eye tissue analysis, immune biology, and how these cells affect the extracellular matrix and fluid flow in the eye. The findings could point to new ideas for therapies that support healthy eye pressure and protect vision.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to new ways to prevent or treat high eye pressure and glaucoma.
How similar studies have gone: Earlier work suggests macrophages influence eye pressure, with ongoing studies building on this emerging link.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liu, Katy C — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Liu, Katy C
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
IOP and CSF Pressure in Glaucoma Risk
This grant studies how eye pressure and cerebrospinal fluid pressure together influence glaucoma risk and vision loss.
-
Comparing tube positions in glaucoma implants to protect corneal cells
This trial compares two tube placements for glaucoma drainage implants to see which better protects corneal cells and controls eye pressure in people with uncontrolled glaucoma.
-
Automated topographic test for glaucoma detection and progression
A new automated method uses topographic structure-function mapping to help diagnose glaucoma earlier and track its progression in patients.
-
Using AI on eye scans and genes to predict glaucoma risk
This project uses artificial intelligence on eye scans, vision tests, and genetic information to find people most likely to develop or have worsening glaucoma.
-
AI-based glaucoma screening in community health centers
A new, easy-to-use AI screening approach will be tested in federally funded health centers to help identify people at risk for glaucoma, especially in communities with higher risk.
-
Understanding how glaucoma genes control eye cell function
A long-term research project will study how genetic factors affect eye cells in adults with glaucoma to uncover new ideas for protecting vision.
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.