Understanding the tear film lipid layer to improve dry eye treatment
Official title: Detailed Molecular Structures of Tear Film Lipid Layer for Improved Treatment of Dry Eye Syndrome
Funded at University of Louisville · NIH-11000857 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at the oily layer in your tears that helps keep your eyes moist, and it's especially for people with chronic dry eye, as it aims to understand why this layer sometimes doesn't work well and how we might improve treatments for you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Louisville NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Louisville, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $183,077 |
| NIH project number | 5R21EY034674-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11000857 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 65 and older who experience symptoms of dry eye syndrome.
✕Less likely to help
Patients under the age of 65 or those without symptoms of dry eye syndrome may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the tear film lipid layer, which is crucial for maintaining eye moisture and preventing dry eye syndrome (DES). By analyzing the molecular structure of this lipid layer, researchers aim to uncover the reasons behind its instability, which leads to DES symptoms. The study employs advanced techniques to achieve high-resolution details of the lipid layer's composition and arrangement, which could inform new treatment strategies. Patients suffering from chronic dry eye may find this research particularly relevant as it seeks to address the underlying causes of their condition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for dry eye syndrome, improving the quality of life for millions of affected individuals.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding tear film dynamics, but this specific approach to detailing the lipid layer's molecular structure is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Louisville
Louisville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jaeger, Vance W — University of Louisville
- Study coordinator: Jaeger, Vance W
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Understanding tear film thickness to help diagnose and manage dry eye
A study at a U.S. university will look at how the thin outer layer of tears changes in people with dry eye and how those changes relate to their symptoms and clinical signs.
-
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.
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.