Effects Of Artificial Tears on Tear Lipid Films and Tear Film Dynamics In Vivo
Meng C. Lin, Professor
Optometry
Closed. This professor is continuing with Fall 2023 apprentices on this project; no new apprentices needed for Spring 2024.
Dry eye disease (DED) is pervasive with some reports estimating over 16 million adults diagnosed with DED in the United States. Currently, artificial tears remain an integral part of managing dry eyes and are mainly used for symptomatic relief. Lipid based artificial tears are often administered by dry eye patients to increase lipid layer thickness and improve tear film breakup time in the hope of providing subjective improvements of dry eye symptoms by reducing evaporative dry eye disease. However, there is little to no study providing direct evidence to support the therapeutic benefits with regular use of lipid based artificial tears to improve the structure of the tear film. In this study, we aim to employ cutting edge methodology to investigate the effect of lipid-based artificial tears on tear lipid film dynamics and the tear film stability on a large group of subjects spanning a range of ages and ethnicities.
Role: The undergraduate student will be responsible for the following:
- Understand ocular surface physiology
- Understand tear film physical properties
- Understand current study design and study aims
- Understand study protocol to effectively recruiting subjects based on a
list of exclusion and inclusion criteria specific to the study
- Communicating details of the study with interested participants
- Scheduling and keeping track of participants’ appointments for the study
- Data management
- Help drafting a manuscript for publication upon study completion
This study will be a good opportunity for the student to take part in the full process of a research study from research development and planning to data collection and analysis. The student will gain knowledge in dry eyes, ocular surface physiology, clinical design and scientific methodology.
Qualifications: It is important that the student have good communication skills and be comfortable interacting with participants. The student should be familiar with basic data management such as Microsoft Excel or equivalent. It is important for the student to be able to work independently and as a team member. A background in biology and interest in research would be beneficial in this role.
Day-to-day supervisor for this project: Dr. Dre Liu
Hours: 9-11 hrs
Biological & Health Sciences