Early atrophic AMD: understanding how the disease progresses to protect vision
Official title: Progression of Early Atrophic Lesions in Age-related Macular degeneration
Funded at Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah · NIH-11418467 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This NIH grant studies how age-related macular degeneration advances in its early atrophic stage to help prevent vision loss.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $385,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY034965-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11418467 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with early atrophic age-related macular degeneration who are at risk for faster progression.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced AMD or those not meeting early atrophic criteria may see limited direct benefit.
What this research studies
The project follows people with early atrophic AMD over time using advanced retinal imaging and functional tests to map how the disease changes. Researchers will also measure vision-related quality of life to see how patients notice and cope with these changes. By analyzing patterns and risk factors, they aim to identify who is most at risk for rapid progression and how targeted therapies might help. The study emphasizes a patient-centered approach, seeking to link structural eye changes with real-world visual function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could guide earlier and more personalized interventions to slow or prevent vision loss in people with early atrophic AMD.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests that multimodal imaging can reveal progression patterns, but this study targets early atrophic AMD with novel analyses.
Where this research is happening
-
Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah
Salt Lake City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schmitz-Valckenberg, Steffen — Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Schmitz-Valckenberg, Steffen
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
AI-powered tool to predict 2-year risk of late AMD
A new AI software helps people at risk of age-related macular degeneration understand their 2-year risk and what steps could protect their vision.
-
Active cycling program to support vision and daily living in Veterans with AMD
A 6-month online group spin cycling program is tested to help Veterans with age-related macular degeneration maintain vision and improve daily functioning.
-
Transplanting stem-cell–derived retinal cells to treat dry AMD
A medical team is testing a stem cell therapy to replace damaged retinal cells in adults with dry age-related macular degeneration.
-
RPESC-derived RPE Transplant for Dry AMD in adults
A new cell-based therapy derived from RPESCs is being tested to help adults with dry age-related macular degeneration regain vision.
-
New high-resolution OCT biomarkers to map early AMD changes
A new imaging approach using advanced OCT methods will help doctors see early changes in age-related macular degeneration to guide treatment and improve quality of life for older adults.
-
Targeting inflammation in age-related macular degeneration
Aims to understand how inflammation drives age-related macular degeneration in people and explore new targets to slow or stop vision loss.
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.