Non-leaky (Type 1) macular blood vessels and age-related macular degeneration
Official title: The Impact of Non-Exudative Type 1 Macular Neovascularization (MNV) on Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Progression
Funded at Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah · NIH-11123162 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at whether a quiet, non-leaking form of new blood vessels in the macula helps protect vision in people with age-related macular degeneration.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $327,250 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY033365-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11123162 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with age-related macular degeneration who have (or are suspected to have) non-exudative Type 1 macular neovascularization and can attend detailed imaging and vision-testing visits.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with active leaking (exudative) MNV on ongoing anti-VEGF treatment, those without Type 1 MNV, or those with vision too poor to complete perimetry are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
What this research studies
You would have high-resolution retinal scans and precise, location-based vision tests that focus on the area near the Type 1 macular neovascularization (MNV). The team will map retinal structure and sensitivity to see if tissue next to the non-exudative MNV stays healthier while surrounding areas decline. Tests include advanced imaging and fundus-controlled perimetry done over time to compare nearby versus distant retinal function. The researchers aim to reduce testing burden in future work, for example by using automated image analysis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If confirmed, this could help doctors identify eyes that are naturally protected and guide monitoring or new protective treatments for AMD.
How similar studies have gone: Observational reports suggest non-exudative Type 1 MNV may slow degeneration, but direct, spatially resolved proof using high-resolution imaging and perimetry is limited, so this approach is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah
Salt Lake City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fleckenstein, Monika — Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Fleckenstein, Monika
Related research
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New high-resolution OCT biomarkers to map early AMD changes
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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.