Using artificial intelligence to improve evaluation of Meibomian glands in dry eye patients
Official title: A Second Look at DREAM: Towards a New Paradigm in Meibomian Gland Evaluation Using Artificial Intelligence
Funded at University of California Berkeley · NIH-10703363 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Berkeley NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Berkeley, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $178,372 |
| NIH project number | 5R21EY033881-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10703363 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing symptoms of dry eye disease, particularly those with suspected Meibomian gland dysfunction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have symptoms of dry eye or Meibomian gland dysfunction may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
University of California Berkeley
Berkeley, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lin, Meng Ching — University of California Berkeley
- Study coordinator: Lin, Meng Ching
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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.