AI-guided eye scan to identify causes of irregular corneas
Artificial Intelligence Assisted Optical Coherence Tomography for Differential Diagnosis and Management of Irregular Corneas
Using high-resolution OCT scans plus artificial intelligence to tell different causes of corneal shape problems for people with irregular corneas or unexplained vision changes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11290757 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would get a detailed, 3-D OCT scan of the front of the eye that maps corneal thickness, surface shape, and how light reflects from different corneal layers. Researchers will combine those images with mathematical analyses and AI to create new measurements that help separate conditions like keratoconus, endothelial swelling (Fuchs’), contact-lens warpage, scars, or post-surgical shape changes. The goal is to stage disease and track progression more precisely so doctors can choose the right treatment at the right time. If you have an irregular cornea you might be asked to have scans and possibly follow-up imaging over time so the system can learn and improve.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with irregular corneas, worsening vision from corneal shape changes, known or suspected keratoconus, endothelial dysfunction (like Fuchs’), contact-lens–related warpage, or post‑surgical corneal changes.
Not a fit: People without corneal shape or surface problems (for example, retinal diseases without corneal involvement) or those whose corneas are too opaque for OCT imaging are unlikely to benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could give earlier and more accurate diagnoses of corneal problems and better monitoring to guide personalized treatments.
How similar studies have performed: High-resolution OCT and AI have shown promise in other eye applications, but applying AI to anterior OCT for differential diagnosis of irregular corneas is a relatively new and developing approach.
Where this research is happening
Portland, United States
- Oregon Health & Science University — Portland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Yan — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Li, Yan
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.