# Tear protein biomarkers of refractive surgery pain

> **NIH NIH R61** · OREGON HEALTH & SCIENCE UNIVERSITY · 2021 · $873,844

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) are
surgical procedures used to correct refractive errors, with approximately 600,000 surgeries
performed in the United States each year. A proportion (10 - 20%) of individuals develop
persistent ocular pain after refractive surgery, which is a source of tremendous morbidity,
limiting the ability to work, impacting mental health, and leading to suicidal ideation in severe
cases. We hypothesize that proteins in the tear fluid modulate corneal nerve function,
increasing the risk of and contributing to persistent pain after refractive surgery. As such, our
studies will use proteomic analysis of tear fluid after surgery to identify diagnostic biomarkers for
persistent ocular pain. We will also examine tear proteins prior to surgery in an effort to identify
prognostic biomarkers that predict which individuals are likely to develop persistent pain after
surgery. R33 Phase studies will use an alternative proteomics platform for analytical validation,
and an additional new patient population for clinical validation. This knowledge can lead to
better preventative and therapeutic algorithms to combat this debilitating condition and thus
improve quality of life and decrease patient suffering.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10249335
- **Project number:** 5R61EY032468-02
- **Recipient organization:** OREGON HEALTH & SCIENCE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** SUE A AICHER
- **Activity code:** R61 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $873,844
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2020-09-01 → 2022-12-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10249335

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10249335, Tear protein biomarkers of refractive surgery pain (5R61EY032468-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10249335. Licensed CC0.

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