How prediabetes and type 2 diabetes affect the eyes
Official title: Characterizing ocular structures and local retinal function in the progression of different objective phenotypes of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes
Funded at University of Houston · NIH-11322992 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Using advanced eye scans and routine health tests to find early eye changes in adults with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $662,672 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY034553-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11322992 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults aged 21 years or older with prediabetes or early type 2 diabetes are the most likely candidates for participation.
✕Less likely to help
People without prediabetes/diabetes or those who already have advanced, sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy are unlikely to receive direct benefit from the early-detection focus of this work.
What this research studies
You would receive very detailed eye imaging (including adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscopy and OCT angiography) and tests of retinal function, the cornea, and tear film. The study also collects metabolic and lifestyle measures such as oral glucose tolerance tests, body fat distribution, and activity data from wearable accelerometers to link overall health with eye findings. Researchers will compare people with prediabetes, early type 2 diabetes, and controls to look for location-specific signs that may predict later vision problems. Most procedures are non-invasive but will require clinic visits for imaging and blood tests.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify people at higher risk for diabetic eye disease earlier so interventions or tighter blood sugar control can help protect vision.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have found early retinal and microvascular changes in diabetes with high-resolution imaging and functional tests, but combining adaptive optics imaging with metabolic and activity measures is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Houston
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Harrison, Wendy W — University of Houston
- Study coordinator: Harrison, Wendy W
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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.