Finding your new retinal spot after central vision loss
The preferred retinal locus in central vision loss
This project looks at how people with central vision loss from macular disease like AMD use a new part of their retina to do everyday seeing tasks.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Berkeley NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Berkeley, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11252338 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you have lost central vision from macular disease, this work will map where on your retina you now look (the preferred retinal locus, or PRL) and test how well that site supports eye movements and visual tasks. The team will use eye-tracking, visual task testing, and retinal imaging to compare the structure and function of different eccentric retinal locations. They will measure where people naturally fixate, how stable that spot is, and whether retinal features predict which location becomes the PRL. The results are intended to guide better vision rehabilitation and training for daily activities.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with central vision loss from macular disease (such as age-related macular degeneration) who have or are developing an eccentric preferred retinal locus and can attend in-person vision testing are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with normal central vision, vision loss not caused by macular disease, or complete blindness are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to tailored rehabilitation and training that helps people with central vision loss read, recognize faces, and perform daily tasks more effectively.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work has described PRLs and some rehabilitation efforts, but this project combines detailed imaging and behavioral testing to more directly link retinal structure to functional use, which is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Berkeley, United States
- University of California Berkeley — Berkeley, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chung, Susana T — University of California Berkeley
- Study coordinator: Chung, Susana T
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.