Understanding how chemical exposure harms the eyes
Official title: The mechanism of vesicant-induced ocular injury
Funded at Wake Forest University Health Sciences · NIH-11250199 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into how certain harmful chemicals can hurt your eyes, both right away and even years later, to find better ways to protect your vision and treat any damage.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wake Forest University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Winston-Salem, United States) |
| Project start | December 21, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $426,367 |
| NIH project number | 7R01EY034110-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11250199 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have experienced exposure to vesicants or similar chemical agents.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with ocular injuries not related to chemical exposure may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of vesicant exposure on the eyes, which are particularly vulnerable to such chemicals. The study aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms that lead to both immediate and long-term ocular damage, including conditions that may develop years after exposure. By analyzing how these chemicals affect various eye tissues, the researchers hope to identify potential treatments to prevent or mitigate vision loss. This work is crucial as current medical options to address vesicant-induced eye injuries are lacking.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to effective treatments for preventing vision loss caused by chemical exposure.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific focus on vesicant-induced ocular injury is novel, similar research has shown promise in understanding chemical exposure effects on other organs.
Where this research is happening
-
Wake Forest University Health Sciences
Winston-Salem, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gorbatyuk, Marina — Wake Forest University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Gorbatyuk, Marina
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.