Understanding tear film stability to create new treatments for dry eye disease
Official title: Redefining the factors that determine tear film stability to develop novel therapeutics for evaporative dry eye disease
Funded at University of California at Davis · NIH-10983731 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how to make tears last longer for people with dry eye by exploring a special ingredient found in rabbit tears that could help improve tear stability, with the hope of creating a new treatment that brings better relief for those suffering from evaporative dry eye disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $41,568 |
| NIH project number | 5F30EY035132-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10983731 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with evaporative dry eye disease who experience symptoms such as dryness, irritation, and visual disturbances.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of dry eye disease that do not involve tear film instability may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the factors that contribute to the stability of the tear film, particularly in patients suffering from evaporative dry eye disease (EDED). By studying the differences in tear film lipids between rabbits and humans, researchers aim to identify new therapeutic options that can enhance tear film stability. The project includes developing a topical treatment based on a specific nonpolar lipid found in rabbit tears, which has shown promise in improving tear film stability in animal models. The ultimate goal is to create effective treatments that provide longer-lasting relief for patients with EDED.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative therapies that significantly improve the quality of life for patients suffering from dry eye disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in using lipid-based therapies for ocular conditions, indicating potential for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California at Davis
Davis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hisey, Erin Alissa — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Hisey, Erin Alissa
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
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.
-
A new way to understand evaporative dry eye
Researchers are building a lab model to better understand why people develop evaporative dry eye so treatments can be improved.
-
Mitigating Dry Eye Symptoms by Improving Indoor Air Quality
Aimed at adults with dry eye symptoms, this study tests a low-cost, multi-faceted plan to improve indoor air and reduce eye discomfort.
-
Tear microRNA patterns in women and men with dry eye
Researchers will look at tiny RNA molecules in tear fluid from people with dry eye to find patterns linked to sex and race.
-
Immune causes of chronic dry eye
This work looks at how certain immune cells make dry eye persist in adults and aims to point toward better, longer-lasting treatments.
-
A new type of plug to help relieve dry eye symptoms
This study is working on a new type of eye plug that can help make life easier for people with dry eyes by using special materials that adjust to their needs, aiming to provide more comfort and better results than current treatments.
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.