Peripheral vision factors behind kids’ nearsightedness
Official title: Peripheral optical and neural contributions to myopia development
Funded at University of Houston · NIH-11374502 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study with children explores how outer-edge eye signals and eye optics affect the worsening of nearsightedness and whether new lenses and tools can help slow or prevent it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $452,271 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY034151-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11374502 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are children aged 0-11 with or at risk for myopia who can participate in eye examinations and wear specialized lenses or use the study devices.
✕Less likely to help
Children without myopia risk or those unable to participate in required eye measurements or wear the devices may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project focuses on understanding why some children develop or experience faster progression of myopia by looking at how peripheral vision and neural signals influence eye growth. Researchers will develop compact optical and scanning tools, plus customized contact lenses, to study how different optical patterns affect the retina and eye elongation. The work aims to translate these findings into practical interventions that can delay or reduce myopia in children. The study uses advanced imaging and lens technology in a pediatric population to uncover actionable mechanisms. Results could guide earlier, more effective strategies for myopia control.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to better strategies to slow or prevent myopia in children, reducing the risk of vision-threatening eye diseases later in life.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies have shown that optics and visual environment can influence myopia progression, but a clearer mechanism and tailored interventions remain to be proven.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Houston
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yoon, Geunyoung — University of Houston
- Study coordinator: Yoon, Geunyoung
Related research
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PICNIC: Factors inside the eye linked to childhood near-sightedness
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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.