Preventing Clouding After Cataract Surgery

Lens capsule and secondary cataract

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER · NIH-11138695

This research looks at why some people get cloudy vision again after cataract surgery, hoping to find ways to stop it.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER (nih funded)
Locations1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11138695 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

After cataract surgery, some people experience a return of cloudy vision, called posterior capsular opacification (PCO), which requires another laser procedure. This happens when certain cells left behind after surgery grow and create new tissue that clouds the lens capsule. Our work explores how specific substances in the aged lens, called Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs), might trigger these cells to cause PCO. We believe that by understanding this process, we can develop new ways to prevent this common complication, potentially reducing the need for follow-up surgeries.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This foundational research is relevant to adults who have had or are considering cataract surgery and are at risk for secondary cataracts.

Not a fit: Patients who have not had cataract surgery or are not at risk for posterior capsular opacification would not directly benefit from this specific research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments or methods to prevent secondary cataracts, reducing the need for additional laser procedures after initial cataract surgery.

How similar studies have performed: This project builds upon preliminary findings and proposes a novel hypothesis regarding the role of AGEs and senescent cells in secondary cataract formation.

Where this research is happening

Aurora, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.