Improving risk prediction for glaucoma in diverse populations
Official title: Prioritizing diversity in polygenic risk prediction of primary open-angle glaucoma
Funded at East Carolina University · NIH-11002782 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to improve how we predict the risk of primary open-angle glaucoma in people of African ancestry, so that they can get better early diagnosis and treatment options based on their unique genetic background.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | East Carolina University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Greenville, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $746,497 |
| NIH project number | 7R01EY033829-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11002782 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals of African ancestry who may be at risk for primary open-angle glaucoma.
✕Less likely to help
Patients of non-African ancestry may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the prediction of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) risk by including individuals of African ancestry, who are often underrepresented in genetic studies. The project aims to conduct large-scale analyses of genetic data to identify new risk factors for POAG specifically in African and African-descent populations. By developing polygenic risk scores that are more applicable to these groups, the research seeks to improve early diagnosis and treatment options for glaucoma. Patients may benefit from more accurate risk assessments and tailored prevention strategies based on their genetic background.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better risk prediction and earlier intervention for glaucoma in individuals of African ancestry.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that increasing diversity in genetic studies can lead to significant advancements in understanding disease risk, making this approach promising.
Where this research is happening
-
East Carolina University
Greenville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cooke Bailey, Jessica N — East Carolina University
- Study coordinator: Cooke Bailey, Jessica N
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Improving glaucoma risk predictions using diverse genetic data
A glaucoma study uses genetic data from people of African, American, and European ancestry to build better risk scores and help with early detection.
-
Multimodal AI to predict glaucoma progression and guide care
A big-data AI tool uses eye images, scans, field tests, and health info to help predict who with open-angle glaucoma is at higher risk of vision loss so doctors can act sooner.
-
Replacing damaged eye drainage cells to treat glaucoma
This project is developing a cell-based treatment to replace lost drainage cells and help people with primary open-angle glaucoma keep eye pressure lower and protect vision.
-
Using cell therapy to treat primary open angle glaucoma
This study is testing a new cell therapy to help people with primary open angle glaucoma by using special stem cells to improve eye function and lower pressure, which could help prevent vision loss when regular treatments aren't enough.
-
Better genetic risk prediction for open-angle glaucoma
This project will build more accurate genetic risk tools for people at risk of open-angle glaucoma by including more diverse ancestry groups in the analysis.
-
Improving fairness in glaucoma risk estimation using artificial intelligence
This study is working on a new AI tool to help better predict the risk of glaucoma, especially for people in diverse communities like African and Hispanic Americans, so that everyone can get fairer and more accurate eye care.
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.