Understanding pain and light sensitivity in migraine and dry eye conditions
Official title: Mechanisms of Pain and Photophobia in Migraine and Dry Eye
Funded at Oregon Health & Science University · NIH-10913444 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into why people with migraines and dry eye often feel pain and sensitivity to light, hoping to find new ways to help treat these uncomfortable symptoms.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $581,180 |
| NIH project number | 5U01EY034680-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10913444 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals experiencing chronic ocular pain, photophobia, or those diagnosed with migraine or dry eye disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without symptoms of migraine or dry eye disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind ocular pain and photophobia, which are common symptoms in migraine and dry eye disease. By studying the trigeminal nerve and its role in regulating sensations in the eye, the research aims to uncover how these conditions are linked and how they can be treated. Using rodent models, the team will explore the molecular and neural pathways involved, focusing on potential therapeutic targets that could lead to new treatments. The goal is to better understand the underlying causes of these debilitating symptoms and identify effective non-opioid therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new, effective treatments for patients suffering from migraine and dry eye disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding the role of the trigeminal nerve in pain conditions, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Oregon Health & Science University
Portland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Aicher, Sue a — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Aicher, Sue a
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Understanding migraine and eye pain: how light and nerves cause discomfort in migraine and dry eye
A research project is studying why eye pain and sensitivity to light happen in people with migraine and dry eye, and how surgery to correct vision may contribute to these symptoms.
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Stabilizing the tear film to relieve evaporative dry eye
This project tests new ways to stabilize the tear film in people with evaporative dry eye, with the goal of longer-lasting comfort.
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A scientist-led study at a major hospital tests whether the brain chemical oxytocin can help stop or prevent migraine attacks that involve aura.
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Meningeal pain and migraine brain hyperexcitability in people
A short study in adults with migraine to understand how pain signals from the brain coverings might make the visual cortex more excitable and trigger migraines.
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Light exposure and sleep in teens with migraine
Teens with migraine and light sensitivity will wear sensors to track daily light and sleep, helping researchers understand how light exposure affects symptoms and nighttime rest.
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.