Identifying early signs of serious eye complications in diabetic patients
Official title: OCTA Precursors of Vision-Threatening Complications of Diabetic Retinopathy
Funded at Oregon Health & Science University · NIH-11061279 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at new imaging technology to help doctors spot serious eye problems in people with diabetic retinopathy earlier and more accurately, so they can provide better care for those at risk.
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 start | September 30, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $626,898 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY035410-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11061279 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with diabetes who are at risk for developing diabetic retinopathy or its complications.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have diabetes or those who are not at risk for diabetic retinopathy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving the detection of vision-threatening complications in diabetic retinopathy (DR) using advanced imaging technology called optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). By identifying specific precursors to serious conditions like proliferative diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema, the study aims to enhance the precision of risk assessment compared to traditional methods. The approach involves developing automated systems for better identification and segmentation of these biomarkers, making it easier for clinicians to diagnose and treat at-risk patients effectively.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier and more accurate identification of patients at risk for severe vision loss, allowing for timely intervention.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using advanced imaging techniques for identifying risks in diabetic retinopathy, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Oregon Health & Science University
Portland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jia, Yali — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Jia, Yali
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Integrative multi-omics to understand diabetic retinopathy
A doctor-scientist team will study blood markers and genetic signals to see why diabetic retinopathy happens and how it affects Hispanic/Latino people.
-
Smartphone retinal imaging for diabetic eye disease in Egypt
This project uses a low-cost smartphone camera and AI to find signs of diabetic eye damage in adults with diabetes in Egypt.
-
Retinal Cell Loss in Diabetic Retinopathy
This project looks at how mitochondrial problems and a specific kind of cell death called ferroptosis may cause retinal cells to die in people with diabetes-related eye disease.
-
Redox-triggered REDD1 blockers for diabetic retinopathy
A research project tests new ways to stop a stress protein (REDD1) from causing vision problems in people with diabetic retinopathy.
-
Ultrafast eye imaging to detect and track diabetic retinopathy
A doctor-science team is developing ultra-fast eye scans to better see tiny blood vessels in people with diabetic retinopathy, helping catch changes early and guide treatment.
-
Practical device to automatically track abnormal retinal blood vessel growth in diabetic eye disease
A new, easier-to-use imaging device aims to automatically detect and monitor abnormal retinal blood vessel growth in people with diabetic retinopathy.
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.