This Figure shows technologies developed by the Passaglia lab to learn about the causes and effects of glaucoma. Top row shows a rat eye with an implanted cannula (left), a wireless telemetry system connected to the cannula that records eye pressure [IOP] round-the-clock (middle), and a portable micropump that can infuse fluid into the eye and hold IOP at any desired level. Bottom row shows locomotor activity [LA], body temperature [BT] and IOP recorded simultaneously by the telemetry system (left) and IOP elevation. Glaucomatous loss of neurons (stained red) can be induced in the cannulated eye (bottom right) as compared to non-cannulated control eye (top).
Christopher L. Passaglia, Ph.D., a Professor of Medical Engineering at the University of South °®ÎŰ´«Ă˝ in Tampa, has led pioneering work at the intersection of ocular neuroscience and bioengineering. His Ocular Neuroscience & Neuroengineering Lab—focuses on understanding how networks of retinal neurons encode visual signals in normal and diseased states and translating that understanding into diagnostic and therapeutic ocular devices. A centerpiece of his work is the development of wireless implantable devices that measure and regulate intraocular pressure (IOP) in animal models, enabling precisely controlled experiments on glaucoma progression. Lab publications showcase their sophisticated investigations into IOP variability in conscious rats, biofeedback-driven pumps to monitor outflow facility, and the interplay between intracranial pressure and aqueous humor dynamics. Dr. Passaglia’s work is funded by a renewed NIH R01 grant (5R01EY027037), first awarded in 2016, that was recently awarded an additional ~$1.875 million to sustain and expand the work on continuous IOP measurement and control. Dr. Passaglia’s innovative integration of retinal physiology, medical engineering, and neurotechnology is helping to redefine experimental glaucoma research. His renewed NIH R01 grant—the latest in a multi‑year trajectory of funding—will allow his lab at USF to deepen its investigations into IOP regulation, retinal response, and vision preservation under stress. His continued leadership underscores both scientific achievement and translational promise in ocular health.