Mapping hydration levels in the cornea using terahertz imaging
Official title: Terahertz time-domain spectroscopic imaging of cornea for three dimensional mapping of hydration gradients
Funded at State University New York Stony Brook · NIH-10889357 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new, gentle way to see how hydrated your cornea is, which can help doctors better understand and treat eye conditions like Fuchs’ dystrophy and keratoconus, so you can get the best care possible.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University New York Stony Brook NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stony Brook, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $225,772 |
| NIH project number | 1R21EY034328-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10889357 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from corneal disorders such as Fuchs’ dystrophy, keratoconus, or those with elevated intraocular pressure.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with healthy corneas or those without any corneal diseases may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing advanced imaging technology to measure hydration levels in the cornea, which is crucial for understanding various eye diseases like Fuchs’ dystrophy and keratoconus. By utilizing terahertz time-domain spectroscopy, the study aims to create a non-invasive method to visualize hydration gradients across the corneal surface. Patients will benefit from improved diagnostic tools that can lead to better management of corneal conditions. The research involves testing the technology on both laboratory models and live subjects to ensure accuracy and effectiveness.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate diagnoses and treatment options for patients with corneal diseases.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of terahertz spectroscopy is a novel approach in ophthalmology, similar imaging techniques have shown promise in other medical fields.
Where this research is happening
-
State University New York Stony Brook
Stony Brook, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Arbab, M. Hassan — State University New York Stony Brook
- Study coordinator: Arbab, M. Hassan
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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.