Using artificial intelligence to improve evaluation of Meibomian glands in dry eye patients

A Second Look at DREAM: Towards a New Paradigm in Meibomian Gland Evaluation Using Artificial Intelligence

NIH-funded research University of California Berkeley · NIH-10703363

This study is looking at how we can use advanced technology to better understand and treat dry eye disease caused by problems with the glands in your eyelids, so that you can get more accurate diagnoses and personalized treatments.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California Berkeley NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Berkeley, United States)
Project IDNIH-10703363 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on improving the diagnosis and treatment of dry eye disease, which is often caused by Meibomian gland dysfunction. By utilizing advanced artificial intelligence techniques, the study aims to analyze meibography images—infrared images of the eyelids that show the Meibomian glands—to better understand their characteristics and how they relate to dry eye symptoms. The goal is to create a more accurate and efficient method for evaluating these glands, which could lead to improved patient outcomes. Patients may benefit from more precise diagnoses and tailored treatments based on AI-driven insights.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing symptoms of dry eye disease, particularly those with suspected Meibomian gland dysfunction.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have symptoms of dry eye or Meibomian gland dysfunction may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate diagnoses and effective treatments for patients suffering from dry eye disease.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using artificial intelligence for medical imaging analysis, suggesting that this approach could yield significant advancements in understanding Meibomian gland dysfunction.

Where this research is happening

Berkeley, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.