New high-resolution OCT biomarkers to map early AMD changes
Official title: Novel ultrahigh resolution OCT biomarkers in age-related macular degeneration
Funded at Oregon Health & Science University · NIH-11431137 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new imaging approach using advanced OCT methods will help doctors see early changes in age-related macular degeneration to guide treatment and improve quality of life for older adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $498,180 |
| NIH project number | 1R01EY039313-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11431137 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with early or intermediate AMD and age-matched individuals without AMD who can commit to longitudinal follow-up.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without AMD or without willingness to participate in follow-up visits may see no direct benefit.
What this research studies
This grant will develop and test powerful OCT techniques to detect early photoreceptor changes in AMD, focusing on cone function with SSADOR metrics. The study will involve two groups—early/intermediate AMD patients and age-matched healthy controls—in cross-sectional and longitudinal assessments. By validating objective, quantitative markers of cone vision, researchers aim to distinguish normal aging from AMD progression and identify eyes at higher risk of decline. If successful, the work could inform earlier clinical decisions and accelerate therapeutic discovery for AMD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could receive earlier detection of AMD changes and more informed treatment strategies, potentially slowing vision loss.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies using OCT-based biomarkers have shown promise in correlating structural changes with function, with ongoing validation needed for wide clinical adoption.
Where this research is happening
-
Oregon Health & Science University
Portland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Siyu — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Chen, Siyu
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Transplanting stem-cell–derived retinal cells to treat dry AMD
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RPESC-derived RPE Transplant for Dry AMD in adults
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Targeting inflammation in age-related macular degeneration
Aims to understand how inflammation drives age-related macular degeneration in people and explore new targets to slow or stop vision loss.
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Early atrophic AMD: understanding how the disease progresses to protect vision
This NIH grant studies how age-related macular degeneration advances in its early atrophic stage to help prevent vision loss.
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.