New contact lenses to treat serious eye infections
Official title: Nanobarrier contact lenses for mono and combination therapy for treating microbial keratitis
Funded at Colorado School of Mines · NIH-11030229 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new type of contact lens that delivers antibiotics directly to the eye to help treat a serious eye infection called microbial keratitis, making it easier for patients to manage their treatment without needing to use eye drops all the time.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Colorado School of Mines NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Golden, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $192,375 |
| NIH project number | 5R21EY035764-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11030229 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with microbial keratitis who require antibiotic treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of eye infections or those who do not require antibiotic therapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a novel contact lens that can deliver antibiotics directly to the eye to treat microbial keratitis, a severe eye infection that can lead to blindness. Current treatments require frequent application of eye drops, which can be difficult for patients to manage. The new contact lens aims to provide a sustained release of antibiotics, improving patient compliance and ensuring more effective treatment. By using this innovative delivery system, the research seeks to enhance the bioavailability of the medication and reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve treatment outcomes for patients with microbial keratitis by simplifying medication administration and enhancing drug effectiveness.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using sustained release systems for drug delivery in ophthalmology, indicating potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Colorado School of Mines
Golden, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chauhan, Anuj — Colorado School of Mines
- Study coordinator: Chauhan, Anuj
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.