NIH-funded research R21 grant

Improving glaucoma diagnosis by personalizing retinal nerve fiber layer thickness norms

Official title: Personalizing Circumpapillary Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness Norms for Glaucoma

Funded at Schepens Eye Research Institute · NIH-10728042 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is working on improving how we diagnose glaucoma by using smart technology to create personalized measurements of the thickness of a part of your eye, which can help catch the disease earlier and more accurately for each person.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionSchepens Eye Research Institute
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project startSeptember 30, 2023
Project endAugust 31, 2025
Funding year2023
Award (this year)$556,962
NIH project number1R21EY035298-01
Project IDNIH-10728042 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research include individuals at risk for glaucoma or those already diagnosed with the condition, particularly those with varying retinal anatomies.

Less likely to help

Patients with conditions unrelated to glaucoma or those who do not have measurable retinal nerve fiber layer thickness may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research aims to enhance the accuracy of glaucoma diagnosis by personalizing the norms for circumpapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (cpRNFLT) using advanced artificial intelligence techniques. The study will utilize data from healthy individuals to develop AI models that automatically adjust cpRNFLT norms based on individual retinal anatomy, which is typically not accounted for in standard assessments. By analyzing retinal imaging data, the research seeks to create more precise benchmarks for diagnosing glaucoma, potentially leading to earlier and more accurate detection of the disease.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate glaucoma diagnoses, allowing for earlier intervention and better management of the disease.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using AI for medical imaging analysis, suggesting that this approach could yield significant advancements in glaucoma diagnosis.

Where this research is happening

  • Schepens Eye Research Institute
    Boston, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Wang, Mengyu — Schepens Eye Research Institute
  • Study coordinator: Wang, Mengyu

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • IOP and CSF Pressure in Glaucoma Risk

    This grant studies how eye pressure and cerebrospinal fluid pressure together influence glaucoma risk and vision loss.

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  • Comparing tube positions in glaucoma implants to protect corneal cells

    This trial compares two tube placements for glaucoma drainage implants to see which better protects corneal cells and controls eye pressure in people with uncontrolled glaucoma.

    NIH research University of California, San Francisco · San Francisco, United States · NIH-11520347

  • Automated topographic test for glaucoma detection and progression

    A new automated method uses topographic structure-function mapping to help diagnose glaucoma earlier and track its progression in patients.

    NIH research Columbia University Health Sciences · New York, United States · NIH-11516608

  • Using AI on eye scans and genes to predict glaucoma risk

    This project uses artificial intelligence on eye scans, vision tests, and genetic information to find people most likely to develop or have worsening glaucoma.

    NIH research University of Miami School of Medicine · Coral Gables, United States · NIH-11469603

  • AI-based glaucoma screening in community health centers

    A new, easy-to-use AI screening approach will be tested in federally funded health centers to help identify people at risk for glaucoma, especially in communities with higher risk.

    NIH research University of Alabama at Birmingham · Birmingham, United States · NIH-11454104

  • Understanding how glaucoma genes control eye cell function

    A long-term research project will study how genetic factors affect eye cells in adults with glaucoma to uncover new ideas for protecting vision.

    NIH research Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary · Boston, United States · NIH-11450761

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.