# Integration of clinical measures and theoretical modeling to quantify sectorial specific changes in ocular structure, function, and hemodynamics

> **NIH NIH R01** · ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI · 2020 · $359,919

## Abstract

Project Summary
 Primary open angle glaucoma is the second-leading cause of blindness worldwide and is
characterized by progressive retinal ganglion cell death and irreversible vision loss. Previous
experimental studies have established aspects of the relationship between retinal structure and
function, while others have demonstrated correlations between vascular health and glaucoma.
However, a unified theory of the structural and hemodynamic factors that combine within tissue
to cause visual impairment in glaucoma is missing. The development and use of this innovative
combined clinical, mathematical, and statistical modeling approach will elucidate the specific
relationships of tissue structure, blood flow and visual field loss. Importantly, glaucomatous
changes to structure and function occur in certain segments of the tissue, and our study is
designed to demonstrate order and importance of structure, function, and blood flow within
specific regions of the retina and optic nerve (ONH).
 The proposed work will use state-of-the-art imaging techniques to measure structural
elements (e.g., ONH parameters including cup-to-disc ratio, and retinal nerve fiber layer
thickness), hemodynamic elements (e.g., capillary flow, venous saturation, vessel density), and
functional elements (e.g., visual field indices) in healthy and glaucomatous patients. The proposed
work will also produce a mathematical model that, for the first time, predicts oxygen transport and
blood flow regulation in a realistic heterogeneous description of the retinal microvasculature,
yielding spatial predictions of oxygenation that can be used to identify regions of the retina most
at risk of functional damage. Finally, a unique combination of statistical and mathematical
modeling approaches will be implemented to create functions that describe the dependence of
retinal function on structural and hemodynamic factors within specific regions of the retina and
ONH. The outcomes of this proposal have the potential for improving diagnostic and treatment
strategies and improving the lives of millions of glaucomatous patients worldwide.
 The specific and novel sectorial analysis proposed in this study is based on a vast
collection of clinical and research data that is conducted using non-trivial and highly powerful
mathematical tools. Since the individual roles of hemodynamic and structural factors cannot be
individually modulated or identified in a clinical setting, this integrated theoretical and clinical
approach will lead to breakthroughs in glaucoma management while also advancing the
knowledge of mathematical modeling and computational techniques.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9858818
- **Project number:** 1R01EY030851-01
- **Recipient organization:** ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI
- **Principal Investigator:** Julia Arciero
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $359,919
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2020-06-01 → 2024-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9858818

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9858818, Integration of clinical measures and theoretical modeling to quantify sectorial specific changes in ocular structure, function, and hemodynamics (1R01EY030851-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9858818. Licensed CC0.

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