Biomechanics of Flow in the Eyes' Aqueous Veins

NSF Award Search · 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT · $589,056 · view on nsf.gov ↗

Abstract

Glaucoma affects over 3 million Americans, is the second leading cause of blindness in the world, and costs America $2.86 billion annually. The disease is characterized by damage to optic nerve tissues, usually caused by high eye pressure resulting from overproduction of the eye fluid or from the eye’s inability to remove the fluid. Eye surgeries such as insertion of stents to enhance aqueous removal and drugs to reduce pressure are the common treatments, but are often unsuccessful. A better understanding of the veins in the eye that participate in the removal of the aqueous fluid and thereby help regulate pressure is needed. The results of this study have the potential to enable improved treatments and provide data to improve decision-making about surgical intervention. Intraocular pressure is regulated via an equilibrium of aqueous secretion and resistive outflow through a series of eye tissues. This project uses whole globe perfusion, photoacoustic microscopy and strain and flow modeling to study outflow in the aqueous veins, which are lodged in the perilimbal sclera. Little is presently known about the quantitative nature of flow in the aqueous veins. The project’s objectives are to determine: (1) the velocity profiles in the aqueous veins of whole globes; (2) the strains in the walls of the veins and the adjacent sclera; (3) correlations between venous flow metrics, outflow facility, vein dilation and scleral strain; (4) how the biomechanical behaviors of glaucomic sc

Key facts

NSF award ID
2533972
Awardee
Regents of the University of Michigan - Dearborn (MI)
SAM.gov UEI
RY78VSF6P4G3
PI
Alan Argento
Primary program
01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
All programs
BIOMECHANICS, RESEARCH EXP FOR UNDERGRADS, UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION, GRADUATE INVOLVEMENT, SUPPL FOR UNDERGRAD RES ASSIST, REU SUPP-Res Exp for Ugrd Supp
Estimated total
$589,056
Funds obligated
$599,056
Transaction type
Standard Grant
Period
10/01/2025 → 09/30/2028