Understanding how cells in the eye heal after injury

Assessment of Corneal Fibroblast Biomechanical Behavior

['FUNDING_R01'] · UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER · NIH-11098456

This research explores how cells in the clear front part of your eye, called the cornea, interact with their surroundings to heal after injuries or surgeries.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER (nih funded)
Locations1 site (DALLAS, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11098456 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Our eyes' ability to heal after injury or surgery depends on how cells in the cornea interact with the tissue around them. This project uses advanced 3D models and imaging to observe these interactions, both in lab settings and in living tissues. We are learning how corneal cells change and organize themselves during healing, especially after procedures like PRK or PTK. Understanding these processes helps us see how changes in corneal structure and stiffness affect healing, aiming to improve recovery outcomes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Patients who have undergone or are considering corneal surgeries like PRK or PTK, or those with corneal injuries, might find this research relevant.

Not a fit: Patients without corneal injuries or conditions related to corneal wound healing would likely not directly benefit from this specific research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to better ways to promote healing and prevent scarring after corneal injuries or eye surgeries.

How similar studies have performed: Previous work using these methods has provided new insights into how corneal cells differentiate and pattern after surgery, showing promise for understanding tissue remodeling.

Where this research is happening

DALLAS, 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.