Hyperspectral eye scans to detect retinal pigment changes in age-related macular degeneration
A hyperspectral approach to RPE fluorophores in AMD
Using advanced color-spectrum eye imaging to find and track molecular changes in the retinal pigment layer for adults with or at risk for age-related macular degeneration.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11081708 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would get noninvasive eye imaging that captures fine color and autofluorescence signals from the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) to reveal molecular signatures like lipofuscin and melanolipofuscin. Images will be compared with optical coherence tomography (OCT) and molecular mapping to link these signals to cell-level changes. The team will follow locations in the retina over time to see if the signals predict progression. This approach aims to give more precise, early information than standard imaging methods.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults (21+) with early or intermediate age-related macular degeneration or at high risk for AMD are the most likely candidates.
Not a fit: People without AMD, with other unrelated eye diseases, or those with advanced end-stage retinal damage unlikely to show incremental imaging changes may not benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could enable earlier and more precise detection and monitoring of RPE changes in AMD, improving when and how doctors intervene.
How similar studies have performed: Standard autofluorescence and OCT are established and useful for AMD, but applying hyperspectral, molecular-level autofluorescence imaging to patients is a newer and less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
Birmingham, United States
- University of Alabama at Birmingham — Birmingham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Curcio, Christine a — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Curcio, Christine a
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.