U01EY034686

Differentiation of clinical phenotypes of inflammatory and neuropathic ocular pain conditions with morphologic measures and functional brain imaging - Chronic ocular pain is a highly distressing symptom as its occurrence results in high morbidity without effective treatment. Patients with dry eye (DE) commonly have painful ocular symptoms, yet the neural mechanisms underlying this type of pain may include inflammatory (as in Sjogren's syndrome) and/or neuropathic contributors (as in neuropathic ocular pain [NOP]). The cornea is innervated by the trigeminal nerve, which conveys peripheral input to the central nervous system.

Using neuroimaging to evaluate peripheral nerves to supraspinal structures, we propose to define the structural and functional differences in the trigeminal circuit that differentiate inflammatory and neuropathic pain. In Aim 1, we will determine trigeminal nerve pathology in persons with Sjogren's vs. NOP vs. controls using quantitative sensory testing (QST), in vivo corneal nerve microscopy (IVCM), and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI).

In Aim 2, we will define differences between Sjogren's vs. NOP in the central nervous system by comparing functional responses to light-induced pathways associated with photophobia using fMRI, and structure using MRI and DTI. This study is likely to yield (1) structural and functional diagnostic markers to differentiate inflammatory and neuropathic ocular pain with neuroimaging, and (2) evince a neurological source of pain symptoms with neuropathic ocular pain.

Data generated from this investigation may be used to improve the diagnosis and monitoring of patients suffering from chronic ocular pain, and provide an objective marker to base clinical decision making.

Children's Hospital Corporation

1) TO SUPPORT EYE AND VISION RESEARCH PROJECTS THAT ADDRESS THE LEADING CAUSES OF BLINDNESS AND IMPAIRED VISION IN THE U.S. THESE INCLUDE RETINAL DISEASES, CORNEAL DISEASES, CATARACT, GLAUCOMA AND OPTIC NEUROPATHIES, STRABISMUS, AMBLYOPIA, AND LOW VISION AND BLINDNESS REHABILITATION. 2) TO INCREASE UNDERSTANDING OF THE NORMAL DEVELOPMENT AND FUNCTION OF THE VISUAL SYSTEM IN ORDER TO BETTER PREVENT, DIAGNOSE, AND TREAT SIGHT-THREATENING CONDITIONS, AND, TO ENHANCE THE REHABILITATION, TRAINING, AND QUALITY OF LIFE OF INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE PARTIALLY-SIGHTED OR BLIND. 3) TO SUPPORT A BROAD PROGRAM OF BASIC VISION RESEARCH THROUGH GRANTS AND COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS, TO ENCOURAGE HIGH QUALITY CLINICAL RESEARCH, INCLUDING CLINICAL TRIALS, OTHER EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDIES, AND HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH, TO ENCOURAGE RESEARCH TRAINING AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT IN THE SCIENCES RELATED TO VISION, AND TO SPONSOR SCIENTIFIC WORKSHOPS IN HIGH PRIORITY RESEARCH AREAS TO ENCOURAGE EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION AMONG SCIENTISTS. 4) SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION RESEARCH (SBIR) PROGRAM: TO INCREASE PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIALIZATION OF INNOVATIONS DERIVED FROM FEDERAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT, TO ENCOURAGE SMALL BUSINESS PARTICIPATION IN FEDERAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT, AND TO FOSTER AND ENCOURAGE PARTICIPATION OF SOCIALLY AND ECONOMICALLY DISADVANTAGED SMALL BUSINESS CONCERNS AND WOMEN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS CONCERNS IN TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION. SMALL BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER (STTR) PROGRAM: TO STIMULATE AND FOSTER SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION THROUGH COOPERATIVE RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT CARRIED OUT BETWEEN SMALL BUSINESS CONCERNS AND RESEARCH INSTITUTIONS, TO FOSTER TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER BETWEEN SMALL BUSINESS CONCERNS AND RESEARCH INSTITUTIONS, TO INCREASE PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIALIZATION OF INNOVATIONS DERIVED FROM FEDERAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT, AND TO FOSTER AND ENCOURAGE PARTICIPATION OF SOCIALLY AND ECONOMICALLY DISADVANTAGED SMALL BUSINESS CONCERNS AND WOMEN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS CONCERNS IN TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION.

93.867 - Vision Research

National Eye Institute (NEI) [HHS - NIH]

Boston, Massachusetts 021155724 United States

Single Zip Code

Ocular Surface Innervation from Cell Types to Circuit Functions (U01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) (RFA-EY-21-004)

Amendment Since initial award the total obligations have increased 276% from $991,052 to $3,722,281.