Can a simple test today help prevent vision loss tomorrow? Glaucoma often progresses quietly, and small changes in the eye can go unnoticed until vision is affected. 

Researchers at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, are using a new, noninvasive imaging tool called the Brillouin microscope to study how the cornea’s stiffness changes in people with glaucoma. By understanding these subtle changes, this study could help doctors detect glaucoma earlier, guide better treatment decisions, and protect vision for the future.

Interested? Sign up today and make a difference for your eyes.

• Learn more about your eye health through advanced, noninvasive imaging tests at no cost.
• Gain a better understanding of your eyes, which may be useful for your future care.

• Receive $40 in gift cards for each completed visit, with additional compensation for optional follow-ups and travel support up to $100.

• Contribute valuable information that could help researchers improve glaucoma management and support early detection.

The study team will explain the research in its entirety, but some details include:

• Participants will be asked to attend a one-time imaging visit, with the option to return for two additional imaging visits about 3 and 6 weeks after starting treatment, and a final imaging visit at approximately 3 months.
• Participants will be asked to undergo Brillouin microscopy and, if they haven’t had a recent eye exam, complete standard eye tests such as tonometry, OCT, and visual field testing.
• Participants will be asked to have their pupils dilated with Tropicamide eye drops if needed before testing, with all imaging expected to take about 40–70 minutes.

Osamah Saeedi, MD, MS

Osamah Saeedi, MD, MS, is an Associate Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore, MD, and an Adjunct Associate Professor of Bioengineering at the University of Maryland, College Park. Dr. Saeedi completed medical school and ophthalmology residency at the University of Texas – Southwestern Medical Center and glaucoma fellowship at the Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University. He completed a Master of Science in Epidemiology and Clinical Research. Dr. Saeedi is the recipient of an NIH Career Development Award (K23) and has grant funding from numerous other organizations, including the American Glaucoma Society. His research focuses on finding novel imaging biomarkers for glaucoma, specifically looking at new techniques for assessing ocular blood flow.

This study involves in-person visits at

University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201, United States

At the University of Maryland, Baltimore, our core values demonstrate what we stand for and serve as a guide to how we behave. Our core values are Respect and Integrity, Well-Being and Sustainability, Equity and Justice, and Innovation and Discovery. The University of Maryland, Baltimore’s (UMB) core values are at the heart of our mission to improve the human condition and serve the public good of Maryland and society at large through education, research, clinical care, and service. These core values guide our academic programs, operating philosophy, and commitment to our constituents, while supporting our dedication to global enhancement and social progress.

Informed Consent

You will receive a detailed outline of all details of the study, including risks and procedures, and you will be given the chance to ask study staff questions before you decide whether to participate.

Withdraw At Any Time

If you decide to participate in the study and later feel that you no longer wish to be part of it, you can withdraw at any time

Secure and Confidential Data

Your records relating to this study and any other information received will be kept strictly confidential, except as required by law.