NIH-funded research R21 grant

The effects of chronic HIV infection on eye diseases

Official title: Chronic HIV infection and ischemic retinopathies

Funded at Augusta University · NIH-11039513 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how living with chronic HIV and taking anti-HIV medications might affect eye health, specifically how they could lead to serious eye problems that can cause blindness, and it aims to find ways to prevent these issues for people with HIV.

More HIV Infection research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionAugusta University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Augusta, United States)
Project startFebruary 1, 2025
Project endJanuary 31, 2027
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$231,000
NIH project number1R21EY037078-01
Project IDNIH-11039513 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research include individuals living with HIV who are experiencing or at risk for ischemic retinopathies.

Less likely to help

Patients who do not have HIV or those without any risk factors for ischemic retinopathies may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates how chronic HIV infection and the use of anti-HIV drugs may contribute to the development and worsening of eye diseases known as ischemic retinopathies, which can lead to blindness. The study focuses on understanding the relationship between chronic inflammation caused by HIV and the resulting neurovascular dysfunction that accelerates aging in the eyes. By examining both experimental models and patient data, the research aims to identify risk factors and mechanisms that could help in preventing these serious eye conditions in people living with HIV.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing vision loss in individuals with chronic HIV infection.

How similar studies have gone: While the specific focus on ischemic retinopathies in the context of chronic HIV is novel, related research has shown that chronic inflammation can significantly impact eye health in other populations.

Where this research is happening

  • Augusta University
    Augusta, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Bartoli, Manuela — Augusta University
  • Study coordinator: Bartoli, Manuela

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.