Understanding how ammonia causes eye injuries

Neural mechanism underlying corneal injuries by ammonia

NIH-funded research Washington University · NIH-10944999

This study is looking at how ammonia can hurt the eye and slow down healing after corneal injuries, using mice to help us understand the damage it causes and how it affects pain and recovery, which could help improve treatments for people with similar eye injuries.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWashington University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Saint Louis, United States)
Project IDNIH-10944999 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the effects of ammonia on corneal injuries, which can lead to severe pain and blindness. The study will explore how ammonia damages corneal sensory fibers and impairs wound healing in the eye. Using mouse models, researchers will analyze the relationship between nerve degeneration and delayed healing, as well as the mechanisms by which ammonia activates sensory fibers. The findings aim to enhance our understanding of chemical injuries to the eye and their long-term consequences.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have experienced chemical burns to the eye, particularly from ammonia exposure.

Not a fit: Patients with eye injuries caused by non-chemical means or those with pre-existing conditions unrelated to ammonia exposure may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for corneal injuries caused by ammonia and potentially reduce the risk of blindness.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that understanding the mechanisms of nerve damage and healing in the eye can lead to significant advancements in treatment, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

Saint Louis, 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.
Conditions Chemical Injury
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.