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No-Touch High Resolution Optical Coherence Elastography of the Cornea using a Heartbeat

Award Number: R01EY033978
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL EYE INSTITUTE
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 09/30/2022
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 07/31/2027

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No-Touch High Resolution Optical Coherence Elastography of the Cornea using a Heartbeat - PROJECT SUMMARY The mechanical properties of the cornea determine the structural characteristics of the ocular globe and may be altered in several devastating disease states, including axial elongation in myopia, pathological deformation in keratoconus, and iatrogenic keratoectasia following corneal refractive surgery. Accurate measurement of corneal biomechanics with high spatial resolution would not only influence our clinical interpretation of diagnostic tests, e.g., measuring intraocular pressure or assessing effects of drug therapies, but also predict the development of posterior eye diseases, such as glaucoma. Currently, there is no available reliable method to perform quantitative measurement of corneal elasticity in vivo and with high resolution. Here we propose a novel method for a “no- touch” assessment of corneal elastic properties. Such a technology, termed heart-beat optical coherence elastography (hbOCE), could revolutionize methods for routine corneal examination, bringing additional mechanical information and warrant rapid clinical adaptation. The project has four primary Specific Aims: Aim 1 is focused on the development of a hbOCE system capable of high-speed volumetric measurement of corneal deformation under small intrinsic IOP changes. Aim 2 will test the developed system in the eyes ex vivo. Aim 3 will test the system in eyes in vivo in rabbits. Aim 4 will perform in vivo human studies to refine measurement methods for broader clinical use. The proposed project will make fundamental advances in the understanding of corneal biomechanics through a novel approach with potentially impactful applications in other disciplines (e.g., corneal surgery, LASIK, corneal cross-linking, corneal transplants, personalized treatments). Most importantly, the proposed studies will accelerate the transition of ocular elastography into clinics, influence our selection and application of corneal surgical treatments, and will help us understand the structural consequences of corneal diseases and wound healing.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2025 ( Subtotal = $549,599 )
2025	2025	UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON SYSTEM	4300 MARTIN LUTHER KING BLVD	HOUSTON	TX	77204	HARRIS	USA	Vision Research	000	4	7/29/2025	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$549,599
														Subtotal = $549,599

Issue Date FY: 2024 ( Subtotal = $549,599 )
2024	2024	UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON SYSTEM	4300 MARTIN LUTHER KING BLVD	HOUSTON	TX	77204	HARRIS	USA	Vision Research	000	3	8/7/2024	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$549,599
														Subtotal = $549,599

Issue Date FY: 2023 ( Subtotal = $557,386 )
2023	2023	UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON SYSTEM	4300 MARTIN LUTHER KING BLVD	HOUSTON	TX	77204	HARRIS	USA	Vision Research	000	2	8/4/2023	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$557,386
														Subtotal = $557,386

Issue Date FY: 2022 ( Subtotal = $659,673 )
2022	2022	UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON SYSTEM	4800 W CALHOUN ST STE 316	HOUSTON	TX	77004	HARRIS	USA	Vision Research	000	1	9/15/2022	NEW	$659,673
														Subtotal = $659,673

Grand Total All Awards = $2,316,257

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No-Touch High Resolution Optical Coherence Elastography of the Cornea using a Heartbeat

Award Number: R01EY033978

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL EYE INSTITUTE

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 09/30/2022

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 07/31/2027

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