Investigating eye movement differences in psychosis and their effects on vision
Official title: Fine-scale eye-movement differences in psychosis and their contribution to abnormal vision
Funded at University of Rochester · NIH-10849936 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how people with psychotic disorders, like schizophrenia, move their eyes differently than those without these conditions, using special technology to track eye movements during everyday tasks, which could help us better understand and diagnose these illnesses.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $192,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R21EY035001-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10849936 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation include adults aged 21 and older who have been diagnosed with a psychotic disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without any psychotic disorders or those under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to explore how fine-scale eye movements differ in individuals with psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia, compared to healthy adults. By using advanced eye-tracking technology, the study will assess eye movements during various visual tasks to identify potential markers that could aid in diagnosis and understanding of the illness. The findings may reveal how these subtle eye movement differences relate to everyday visual functions, such as reading and recognizing faces. Ultimately, this research seeks to enhance our understanding of psychosis and improve diagnostic methods.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better diagnostic tools and interventions for individuals with psychotic disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has documented eye movement abnormalities in schizophrenia, but this approach of examining fine-scale differences is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Poletti, Martina — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: Poletti, Martina
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Psychosis in Diverse Settings: Understanding Symptoms and Treatment Across Global South
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Biomarkers to tailor rehab for Veterans with schizophrenia
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Computational analysis of facial expression in early psychosis
Aims to develop computer-based measures of facial expression in people at risk for or with schizophrenia to help track symptoms and guide future trials.
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.