Connect with us

Press Releases

Optometry Researchers Get $1.9M to Study Dry Eye

mm

Published

on

It’s not just you.

Optometry Researchers Get $1.9M to Study Dry Eye

Jason Nichols, O.D., Ph.D., continues to advance dry eye research at UAB with $1.9 million grant from the National Eye Institute.

Optometry researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham have been awarded a $1.9 million grant to study dry eye.

They’ll be looking at potential molecular markers in patients that could predict structural and functional changes of the eye in dry eye disease, according to a press release. They hope the work will lead to a targeted therapy.

“Dry eye is the most frequent eye disease that an eyecare practitioner sees,” said Dr. Jason Nichols, a professor in the UAB School of Optometry. “The study will look at the lipid layer of the eye and the biochemical changes that cause dry eye. Once we understand these changes, we will be able to better treat the condition that affects up to 30 percent of the world.”

Advertisement

The research, funded by the National Eye Institute, focuses on the impact of the eye’s outer lipid layer.

Nichols is looking to target and identity the fatty acids that decrease the tear film, and their structural impact on the eye, using custom-built optical systems capable of measuring the very thin tear film. This study will help determine the functional impact of the lipid layer that increases the evaporation of the thinning tear film, causing dry eye.

“We hope to find the specific lipid that has been altered in the lipid layer to be able to provide patients with targeted treatment by either replacing the lipid or fixing the glands so they express the right amount of lipids,” said Nichols, who is also assistant vice president for industry research development in the UAB Office of the Vice President for Research and Economic Development.

Read more from UAB

HEADLINES: OPTOMETRY

Advertisement

Read more from UAB.

SPONSORED VIDEO

SPONSORED BY VARILUX

The Best Overall Progressive Lens, Now Powered by AI

Engineered with Behavioral Artificial Intelligence and utilizing new XR-motion™ technology, Varilux XR series goes beyond prescription and eye physiology to consider the patient’s visual behavior and design a progressive lens that respects how
their eyes naturally move.

Varilux XR series comes in two versions, Varilux® XR design and Varilux® XR track. The Varilux XR track lens provides an additional level of personalization by incorporating the exclusive Near Vision Behavior Measurement, providing up to 25% more near vision width3 according to the patient’s need, so patients get the highest level of customization.

Discover Varilux XR series and enjoy instantly sharp vision in motion4 and seamless transitions from near to far.

For more information, visit here.

Promoted Headlines

Most Popular