Improving OCT Angiography to Find and Monitor Age-related Macular Degeneration

OCT Angiography for Age-related Macular Degeneration

NIH-funded research Oregon Health & Science University · NIH-11123132

This project develops clearer OCT angiography scans and AI tools to find and track harmful blood-vessel changes in people with age-related macular degeneration.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionOregon Health & Science University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Portland, United States)
Project IDNIH-11123132 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This work aims to make OCT angiography images clearer and use artificial intelligence to find and measure abnormal blood vessels and perfusion changes that matter in AMD. Researchers will use a high-speed swept-source OCT prototype, optimize scan sampling and image-processing algorithms, and refine OCTA computation to better visualize deep layers like the choriocapillaris and deep capillary plexus. They will combine improved images with new quantitative metrics and AI to detect non-exudative CNV and perfusion defects that signal higher risk of progression. Clinical patient data will be used to test these methods and see how well they predict vision loss or response to treatment.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: People diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration, especially those with suspected or treated choroidal neovascularization (wet AMD) or at risk for advanced geographic atrophy, are the most likely candidates.

Not a fit: Individuals without AMD or with vision loss from unrelated eye conditions are unlikely to benefit from this specific work.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this could enable earlier detection of dangerous blood-vessel changes and more precise monitoring to help preserve vision in people with AMD.

How similar studies have performed: Prior clinical work has shown OCTA and AI can detect CNV with good sensitivity and specificity, but extending this to deeper-layer imaging and early perfusion biomarkers is newer.

Where this research is happening

Portland, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.