The effects of maternal smoking during pregnancy on vision disorders in young children

Intrauterine exposure to tobacco smoke, DNA methylation, and vision disorders in preschool children

NIH-funded research University of Southern California · NIH-10669723

This study looks at how smoking during pregnancy might impact young children's vision, specifically conditions like lazy eye and crossed eyes, and aims to find better ways to spot these issues early on so that kids can get the help they need.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Southern California NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-10669723 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how exposure to tobacco smoke in the womb affects the development of vision disorders in preschool children. It focuses on understanding the link between maternal smoking and conditions like amblyopia and strabismus, which can hinder a child's visual and cognitive development. The study aims to identify reliable biological markers of exposure to tobacco smoke, which are often missed in self-reported data. By analyzing these factors, the research seeks to improve early detection and intervention strategies for affected children.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are preschool children aged 1-5 years who may have been exposed to tobacco smoke during pregnancy.

Not a fit: Patients who are older than 5 years or have no history of maternal smoking exposure may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better screening and treatment options for vision disorders in young children, improving their developmental outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown associations between maternal smoking and various pediatric vision disorders, indicating that this approach builds on established findings.

Where this research is happening

Los Angeles, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.