Dr. Linjiang Lou has been awarded the prestigious Knights Templar Eye Foundation (KTEF) Career Starter Research Grant for 2025–2026. This grant supports early-career researchers conducting work that advances the understanding, prevention, and treatment of pediatric eye diseases and conditions. Dr. Lou will receive $89,857 in support of their research.
Research Title:
Effects of Morning Versus Evening Bright Light Exposure on Refractive Development and Retinal Dopamine Levels
Myopia, or nearsightedness, typically begins in early childhood and causes blurry distance vision. Its prevalence is rapidly increasing worldwide, posing a major public health concern. Research has shown that increased time spent outdoors helps prevent the onset of myopia in children. Among the many differences between indoor and outdoor environments, the intensity of light is believed to be a key factor.
Bright light exposure has been shown to reduce the development of experimental myopia in animal models. However, the time of day when this light exposure occurs has been understudied. Dr. Lou’s project aims to determine whether the protective effect of bright light on myopia development depends on the timing of exposure and to explore the role of retinal dopamine—a molecule believed to act as a “stop” signal for refractive eye growth—in mediating this effect.
The research will also compare the effects of short-term versus long-term bright light exposure on retinal dopamine levels at different times of day. These findings will deepen our understanding of how light exposure and dopamine influence myopia development and may guide strategies to optimize light-based interventions for preventing or reducing myopia in children.
About the Knights Templar Eye Foundation
Founded in 1956, the Knights Templar Eye Foundation (KTEF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit supported by the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar. Governed by a Board of Directors, the Foundation aims to improve vision through research, education, and access to care.
Originally focused on providing surgery for vision loss, KTEF shifted its mission in 2010 to emphasize funding research and education in eye care. It still supports direct patient care through partnerships like the Seniors EyeCare Program.
KTEF is recognized for advancing treatments in pediatric ophthalmology, especially nonsurgical solutions for strabismus. It annually funds research grants, with proposals reviewed by a Scientific Advisory Committee.
To date, KTEF has contributed over $178 million to vision-related research, care, and education, including more than $39 million in pediatric ophthalmology and genetics research.
For more information: https://www.ktef.org/grants.