Novel Approach to 24-hr IOP Assessment - PROJECT SUMMARY Twenty-four-hour intraocular pressure (IOP) assessment remains an unmet need in the clinical management of glaucoma. Among the devices that yield IOP measurements in millimeters of mercury, there is a 15-33% variance between true IOP and device output. Other devices lack the automation that facilitates IOP capture during undisturbed sleep. The ideal device would be non-invasive, accurate, and automated. Such a device would permit the exploration of the relationship between intraday IOP fluctuation and the pathogenesis of Primary Open Angle Glaucoma, the leading cause of irreversible blindness. It would also facilitate accurate screening, rapid diagnosis, and intuitive assessment of response to treatment. The overarching goal of the proposed research is to develop an accurate, safe, wearable IOP monitor. To accomplish this, we propose the following aims: Aim 1: Develop prototype of a contact lens based IOP sensor based on Atomic Force Microscopy. Aim 2: Develop an empirical model for the relationship between indentation measurements and IOP. Aim 3: Assess the effects of self-sensing cantilever indentation on the human corneal epithelium. The results of these experiments will inform prototype development with the goal of developing a wearable IOP monitor that accurately measures IOP with 0.1-1 mmHg precision. This instrument would improve the clinical management of glaucoma. ACTIVITIES RELATED TO DIVERSITY: THE RABB-VENABLE EYE RESEARCH CLUSTER INITIATIVE Recent studies have demonstrated the dire lack of diversity among ophthalmology faculty and trainees. There is a similar trend in the biomedical research workforce and the NIH clinical research training program only yielded five potential eye researchers in 15 years. During the grant funding period, we would like to: Objective 1: Expand URiM medical student recruitment to ophthalmology residency training programs. Objective 2: Support URiM medical students to complete a one-year research fellowship. Objective 3: Increase URiM ophthalmologist representation in the clinical translational research pipeline. Physician workforce diversity is a key component of mitigating healthcare disparities. This program will produce up to 25 potential eyes researchers during the 5-year funding period. We believe that building a core of physician scientists who can provide culturally sensitive care to underserved communities and lead the development and adoption of equitable healthcare delivery procedures and practices is necessary in ensuring greater health equity.
