Mapping the mechanical properties of the cornea using advanced imaging techniques
Official title: In vivo optical coherence elastography of the cornea: mapping shear and tensile moduli
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-10892233 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new imaging technology to see how the cornea, the clear front part of your eye, changes in strength and flexibility as you age or if you have a condition called keratoconus, which can affect your vision.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $386,151 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY033356-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10892233 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include individuals diagnosed with keratoconus or those undergoing refractive surgery, as well as healthy volunteers for comparative analysis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable corneal conditions who do not require biomechanical assessment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new imaging technology called optical coherence elastography (OCE) to assess the mechanical properties of the cornea, which is crucial for maintaining clear vision. The study aims to measure the tensile and shear moduli of the cornea in real-time, providing insights into how these properties change with age and intraocular pressure. By testing this technology on healthy individuals and patients with keratoconus, the research seeks to improve the understanding of corneal biomechanics and its implications for eye health and surgical interventions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better diagnostic tools and treatment strategies for patients with corneal disorders, enhancing visual outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using advanced imaging techniques for corneal analysis, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yun, Seok-Hyun Andy — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Yun, Seok-Hyun Andy
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Global TravEpiNet: Pregnant Travelers Health and Disease Prevention Network
This grant supports a national network to improve health and prevent infections among international travelers, with a special focus on pregnant travelers.
-
Soluble ST2 and the course of lung injury in ARDS
A doctor-scientist at a top hospital is studying how a molecule called soluble ST2 may influence how lung injury starts and heals in patients with ARDS and related conditions.
-
Role of airway macrophages in lung health and allergic disease
A doctor-scientist at a major hospital wants to study how immune cells in the airways develop and influence asthma and other airway diseases.
-
Global TravEpiNet: Understanding and Protecting US Travelers, including Pregnant Travelers
A large U.S. network studies international travelers, including pregnant travelers, to understand illness risks and reduce the spread of infections.
-
Gait speed from wearable sensors to guide ALS trials
A patient-friendly look at using wearable sensors to measure how fast people with ALS walk, to help run better ALS trials.
-
Determinants of Post-Stroke Cognitive Outcomes and Vascular Effects on Recovery
A large, multi-site effort aims to understand why some stroke survivors develop long-term cognitive problems and dementia, and how vascular health and pre-existing brain changes influence recovery.
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.