Measuring how fluid drains from the eye in glaucoma
Quantitative assessment of glaucomatous conventional outflow dynamics
This project uses near-infrared eye imaging and AI to map and measure how fluid drains in people with primary open-angle 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 ID | NIH-11191458 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team uses high-resolution near-infrared optical coherence tomography (OCT) to image the conventional outflow pathway that controls intraocular pressure. AI-driven software automatically segments and analyzes the 3D images to detect spatially varied outflow patterns and estimate tissue stiffness in the trabecular meshwork. Much of the foundational work has been done in living mice with anatomy similar to humans, and the researchers plan to translate these imaging and analysis methods toward human eyes. The approach aims to capture dynamic changes over time rather than single snapshot measurements.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with primary open-angle glaucoma or elevated intraocular pressure who are willing to undergo advanced eye imaging would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People with angle-closure glaucoma, other non-glaucomatous optic nerve diseases, or those seeking immediate therapeutic change are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this primarily imaging and preclinical project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to diagnostics that pinpoint where drainage is blocked and help guide more targeted treatments to lower eye pressure.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work using NIR-OCT and AI has successfully visualized outflow changes in mice, but applying these tools for routine human diagnosis and treatment is still new.
Where this research is happening
Durham, United States
- Duke University — Durham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Farsiu, Sina — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Farsiu, Sina
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.