Understanding eye movement disorders in children
Official title: Development of Oculomotor Circuits in Nystagmus
Funded at Boston Children's Hospital · NIH-11001560 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into infantile nystagmus syndrome, which causes uncontrolled eye movements in babies and can affect their vision and social skills, to better understand how it develops and find new ways to help kids with this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $442,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY034846-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11001560 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation are children aged 0-11 years diagnosed with infantile nystagmus syndrome or related visual disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have infantile nystagmus syndrome or related conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates infantile nystagmus syndrome, a condition characterized by involuntary eye movements that begin in infancy and can severely impact vision and social interactions. The study aims to uncover the underlying mechanisms of this disorder by analyzing the development of oculomotor circuits in both human samples and a mouse model. Researchers will examine the abnormalities in eye muscles and the role of visual input during early life in shaping these circuits. By identifying potential therapeutic targets, the research seeks to pave the way for new treatments for affected children.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment options for children suffering from infantile nystagmus syndrome, improving their visual and social quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific mechanisms of infantile nystagmus are not well understood, similar research approaches in understanding eye movement disorders have shown promise in identifying potential treatment pathways.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston Children's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Whitman, Mary Catherine — Boston Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Whitman, Mary Catherine
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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.