Tracking early atrophic changes in age-related macular degeneration
Progression of Early Atrophic Lesions in Age-related Macular degeneration
This project follows people with early atrophic (dry) AMD using detailed eye imaging and vision tests to see who is most likely to lose vision.
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 ID | NIH-11117094 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you join, researchers will follow people with early atrophic AMD over several years using high-resolution retinal imaging, detailed vision tests, and vision-related quality-of-life questionnaires. They will combine standardized and exploratory analysis methods to measure tiny tissue changes and link those changes to vision and daily functioning. The team aims to identify which eyes and people progress faster and which risk factors predict that decline. That information is intended to help match future treatments to the right patients at the right stage.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People diagnosed with early atrophic (dry) age-related macular degeneration who can attend regular visits at the study center are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with advanced geographic atrophy, active wet (neovascular) AMD, or unrelated eye diseases may not receive direct benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could help identify patients at highest risk for vision loss and guide interventions to prevent progression.
How similar studies have performed: While other imaging and natural-history studies exist, focusing prospectively on early atrophic lesions with this comprehensive multimodal approach is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Salt Lake City, United States
- Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah — Salt Lake City, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schmitz-Valckenberg, Steffen — Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Schmitz-Valckenberg, Steffen
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 below.