Understanding pain mechanisms in chronic eye pain
Official title: Central nervous system mechanisms and treatment response in chronic ocular surface pain
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-10934819 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at chronic eye pain that many people experience, trying to understand how problems in the brain and nervous system might be causing this discomfort, so we can find better ways to help those who haven't found relief with usual treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $578,123 |
| NIH project number | 1R01EY036357-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10934819 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals suffering from chronic ocular surface pain who have not found relief from standard treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute eye injuries or those whose pain is solely due to identifiable ocular surface conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates chronic ocular surface pain (COSP), which affects many individuals and leads to significant discomfort and reduced quality of life. The study aims to explore how dysfunction in the central nervous system (CNS) may contribute to this pain, rather than just issues with the eye itself. By examining the neurobiological aspects and treatment responses in patients with COSP, the researchers hope to identify new approaches to alleviate pain for those who do not respond to conventional treatments. The methodology includes clinical evaluations, neuroimaging, and sensory testing to gather comprehensive data on pain mechanisms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for chronic eye pain, improving the quality of life for many patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding nociplastic pain mechanisms in other chronic pain conditions, suggesting potential for similar findings in COSP.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: De Lott, Lindsey Blake — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: De Lott, Lindsey Blake
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.