Lighting-centered home changes to prevent falls for people who are visually impaired
Official title: Planning a lighting-centered home modification trial to prevent falls in the visually impaired
Funded at University of Miami School of Medicine · NIH-11454974 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study will test whether brighter, better-lit homes with fewer glare and clearer hazards reduce falls and help with daily tasks for people with vision loss.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Miami School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Coral Gables, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $479,086 |
| NIH project number | 1R34EY038267-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11454974 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with visual impairment who live at home and are at risk for falls could participate.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without visual impairment or those not at elevated fall risk may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project plans a randomized controlled trial to see if a lighting-focused home modification can lower fall rates and improve day-to-day function for adults with visual impairment. Researchers will first run focus groups and pilot test the home assessment and lighting intervention, gathering feedback on design, burden, and participation. The study will address daytime and nighttime lighting, glare, contrast of hazards, and how to engage household members in the process. Feedback from participants will help optimize the study design and messaging before full implementation. A Patient Advisory Board will be involved to ensure the plan aligns with patient needs and preferences.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, participants could experience fewer falls and greater independence at home due to better lighting.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work linked brighter lighting to fewer in-home falls and better daily function in visually impaired individuals, supporting a promising approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Miami School of Medicine
Coral Gables, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ramulu, Pradeep Yammanuru — University of Miami School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Ramulu, Pradeep Yammanuru
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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.