Understanding how the optic nerve head changes in glaucoma.
Official title: Biomechanics of the Human Optic Nerve Head for Glaucoma Biomarkers.
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-10856149 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how changes in eye pressure affect the optic nerve in people with glaucoma, aiming to find signs that could help predict nerve damage, so if you have open-angle glaucoma, your participation could help improve understanding and treatment of the condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $409,375 |
| NIH project number | 1R01EY036042-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10856149 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with primary open-angle glaucoma at various stages of the disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of glaucoma or those without any form of glaucoma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the biomechanics of the optic nerve head in patients with glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness. By using advanced imaging techniques, researchers will analyze how changes in intraocular pressure affect the optic nerve head's structure and function. The study aims to identify specific biomechanical markers that could predict the risk of axon injury in individuals with open-angle glaucoma. Patients will undergo imaging before and after changes in eye pressure to gather critical data on these processes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved methods for predicting and preventing vision loss in glaucoma patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using biomechanical assessments to understand glaucoma, but this specific approach is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nguyen, Thao D — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Nguyen, Thao D
Related research
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A new, easy-to-use AI screening approach will be tested in federally funded health centers to help identify people at risk for glaucoma, especially in communities with higher risk.
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Understanding how glaucoma genes control eye cell function
A long-term research project will study how genetic factors affect eye cells in adults with glaucoma to uncover new ideas for protecting vision.
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.