Understanding the nerve connections in the cornea and their role in eye health
Official title: Underpinnings of corneal innervation: anatomical, molecular, and functional studies of corneal sensory afferents in physiologic and pathologic states
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10923991 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at the tiny nerves in the front part of your eye to understand how they work in both healthy eyes and those with problems like dry eye disease, with the hope of finding better treatments for people who have these eye conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,139,871 |
| NIH project number | 5U01EY034681-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10923991 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals experiencing corneal diseases such as dry eye syndrome, neurotrophic keratitis, or those undergoing refractive surgeries.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-corneal related eye conditions or those without any sensory nerve dysfunction may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the complex network of sensory nerves in the cornea, which is crucial for various eye functions such as sensation and reflex regulation. By examining how these nerves behave in both healthy and diseased states, the research aims to uncover the underlying mechanisms of corneal disorders like dry eye disease and neurotrophic keratitis. The team employs advanced imaging techniques and interdisciplinary approaches to characterize corneal sensory nerves and their impact on eye health. This comprehensive understanding could lead to improved treatments for patients suffering from corneal diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for patients with corneal disorders, significantly improving their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding corneal nerve function and its implications for eye health, indicating that this approach has potential for significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rompolas, Panteleimon — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Rompolas, Panteleimon
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.