Mapping eye fluid drainage to improve glaucoma care
Dynamic Variable Aqueous Humor Outflow and Glaucoma Therapies in the Human Eye
This project maps how fluid drains inside the eye to help people with glaucoma get treatments that work better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11375444 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's point of view, researchers are building detailed three-dimensional images of the eye's fluid drainage pathways using advanced optical imaging and related technologies. They compare these non-invasive images to the current invasive gold-standard (aqueous angiography) and use 3D approaches to understand why some areas drain well and others do not. The team aims to create a practical, non-invasive structural test that shows which parts of the eye have low or high fluid flow so doctors can choose better-targeted medicines or procedures. Participation would mainly involve clinic imaging visits and sharing relevant eye health information.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with glaucoma—especially open-angle glaucoma or those whose eye pressure stays high despite medications—are the most likely candidates for this work.
Not a fit: People without glaucoma, those with angle-closure glaucoma, or those unable or unwilling to attend clinic imaging visits are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help personalize glaucoma treatments by showing which drainage pathways need treatment, potentially improving pressure control and slowing vision loss.
How similar studies have performed: Invasive aqueous angiography has already revealed segmental flow patterns tied to outcomes, and early non-invasive OCT-based approaches are promising though still relatively new.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- University of California, San Diego — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Huang, Alex — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Huang, Alex
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.