A $1.4 million grant to map the cornea was awarded to Anna Matynia, OD, associate professor at the University of Houston College of Optometry, by Duke University and the NEI. Specifically, the map will show which nerves are responsible for blinking, tear creation, pain and more, according to a University of Houston press release.

“These efforts will provide critical clues for understanding corneal structure-function and will lead to an unprecedented cartography,” explains Dr. Matynia, in the press release. “The advancements from this work will be poised to facilitate a deeper understanding of related pathobiology, including neuropathic ocular pain and dry eye disease, that will lay the foundation for future translational and clinical research.” 

Dr. Matynia’s team includes Daniel R. Saban, PhD, of Duke University, and Victor L. Perez, MD, at the University of Miami. Dr. Perez recently co-authored the article Overcoming Ocular Graft-Versus-Host Diseas  in the November 2023 issue of Corneal Physician.