Understanding how the shape of the eye lens changes with age
Official title: Biomechanics of Lens Morphogenesis
Funded at Ohio State University · NIH-10904005 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how the eye lens changes as we get older and how those changes can lead to vision problems like presbyopia and cataracts, using a fun comparison to a balloon filled with jelly to help explain what happens over time.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $389,650 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY035278-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10904005 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over the age of 21 who are experiencing age-related vision changes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with congenital eye conditions or those under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the biomechanical properties of the human eye lens as it ages, focusing on how these properties affect lens shape and function. By examining the interactions between the lens fibers and the surrounding capsule, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms that lead to conditions like presbyopia and cataracts. The approach involves a novel theory of soft tissue growth, likening the lens to a gelatin-filled balloon, to better understand how these changes occur over time.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for age-related vision problems such as presbyopia and cataracts.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in understanding lens biomechanics, but this specific approach is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Ohio State University
Columbus, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Reilly, Matthew a — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Reilly, Matthew a
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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.