Mapping the mechanical properties of the human cornea
Official title: In vivo high-resolution mapping of the elastic moduli and tensile stress in the human cornea
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-10862566 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how flexible and strong the cornea is, which is important for good vision and eye health, and it will involve both healthy people and those with certain eye conditions to get a better understanding of how the cornea works.
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 | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $556,576 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY034857-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10862566 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include healthy individuals, patients with ocular hypertension, those with keratoconus, and individuals undergoing refractive surgeries.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with no corneal issues or those who have already undergone irreversible corneal surgeries may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the mechanical properties of the cornea, which are crucial for vision and eye health. By using advanced optical coherence elastography (OCE), the study aims to measure the elasticity and tension of the cornea in detail. It will involve both healthy individuals and patients with specific eye conditions, allowing for a comprehensive analysis of corneal biomechanics. The research will utilize both ex vivo and in vivo techniques to gather precise data on corneal behavior under various conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnostic and treatment options for corneal diseases and conditions affecting vision.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using biomechanical analysis for corneal assessment, but this approach with high-resolution mapping is relatively novel.
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
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.