Understanding and treating eye problems in premature infants caused by oxygen exposure

Metabolic basis of retinopathy of prematurity and potential treatment with anaplerotic substrates

NIH-funded research Tufts Medical Center · NIH-11050747

This study is looking at how too much oxygen can affect the eyes of premature babies and hopes to find out if certain nutrients in breast milk can help improve their eye health.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionTufts Medical Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-11050747 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how exposure to high levels of oxygen affects the development of the retina in premature infants, leading to a condition known as retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). The study focuses on the metabolic processes in the liver that contribute to ROP and explores the potential of using specific nutrients to improve retinal health. By examining the role of different fatty acids in breast milk and their impact on infant metabolism, the research aims to identify new treatment strategies that could enhance retinal development in these vulnerable infants.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are premature infants, particularly those born with low birth weight who are at higher risk for developing ROP.

Not a fit: Patients who are not premature or do not exhibit symptoms of retinopathy of prematurity may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for preventing vision loss in premature infants affected by retinopathy of prematurity.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the metabolic factors contributing to ROP, indicating that this approach may lead to significant advancements in treatment.

Where this research is happening

Boston, 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.