Timothy Gawne, PhD, professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) School of Optometry, has secured a 4-year, $1.9 million R01 grant from the National Eye Institute to investigate the growing global epidemic of myopia. Myopia prevalence now exceeds 40% of US adults and affects approximately 1 billion people worldwide. It has emerged as a critical public health concern that is linked to increased risk of blinding conditions due to excessive axial elongation of the eye.
Dr. Gawne’s study will pursue 3 primary research aims:
1. Examine How Real-World Visual Scenes Influence Eye Growth
Although it is established that visual stimuli affect ocular development, there is limited data on the specific impact of complex, naturalistic settings.
“For example,” Dr. Gawne explained in UAB’s press release, “does it matter if you are looking at an office interior, or a forest outdoors?”
His team will use experimental methods to determine whether such environments can mitigate or exacerbate the progression of myopia.
2. Refine Repeated Low-Level Red-Light (RLRL) Therapy
Building on recent findings that RLRL therapy can slow myopia progression and even reduce axial length, Dr. Gawne’s team will focus on developing a safer version of this treatment. Current high-intensity RLRL systems may pose safety risks due to light exposure levels.
“Our goal is to create a therapy that is both effective and safe, using moderate-intensity ambient red light,” he said.
3. Develop Objective Recommendations for Artificial Lighting
Because indoor light sources vary significantly in spectral composition, some may contribute to myopia development.
The research will be conducted in collaboration with coinvestigator Safal Khanal, OD, PhD, assistant professor at UAB. The team aims to generate data that could translate into practical preventive strategies and inform lighting standards in educational and domestic environments.
“Our ultimate aim is to improve public health and prevent vision loss,” Gawne said. “This grant will enable us to take crucial steps toward achieving that goal.”