Using oxygen nanobubbles to treat retinal ischemia

Retinal Ischemia Treatment by Oxygen Nanobubbles

NIH-funded research University of Southern California · NIH-10723843

This study is testing a new treatment using tiny oxygen bubbles to help people with retinal ischemia, a condition that can cause vision loss, by improving oxygen levels in the eye, which could lead to better options for those with diabetes-related eye issues or other retinal problems.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Southern California NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-10723843 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates a novel treatment for retinal ischemia, a condition where the retina does not receive enough oxygen, leading to potential vision loss. The approach involves the use of oxygen nanobubbles that can release oxygen over time to improve oxygen levels in the retinal tissue. The study aims to develop a consistent formulation of these nanobubbles, determine the best timing for their administration, and evaluate their effectiveness through various outcomes, including retinal oxygen metrics and visual function. Patients may benefit from improved treatment options for conditions like diabetic retinopathy and retinal vascular occlusions.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing retinal ischemia, particularly those with diabetic retinopathy or other retinal vascular conditions.

Not a fit: Patients with stable retinal conditions that do not involve ischemia or those who have already lost significant vision may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new therapeutic option to prevent vision loss in patients suffering from retinal ischemia.

How similar studies have performed: While previous studies have explored hyperbaric oxygen treatment for retinal ischemia, the use of oxygen nanobubbles represents a novel approach that has not been extensively tested.

Where this research is happening

Los Angeles, 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.