Understanding facial recognition difficulties in people with diabetic retinopathy
Official title: Characterizing the prevalence and nature of facial recognition deficits in non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy
Funded at University of Oklahoma · NIH-10849910 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy might make it harder for people to recognize and remember faces, helping us understand how diabetes can affect social interactions and daily life.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Oklahoma NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Norman, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $206,229 |
| NIH project number | 5R21EY034326-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10849910 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without diabetic retinopathy or those with proliferative diabetic retinopathy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy affects the ability to recognize and remember faces. It aims to identify the prevalence and nature of these deficits, which may indicate early signs of visual impairment. By examining the relationship between visual processing and cognitive functions, the study seeks to improve understanding of how diabetes impacts social interactions and quality of life. Participants may undergo assessments to evaluate their facial recognition skills and related visual functions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved interventions that enhance social functioning and quality of life for individuals with diabetic retinopathy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that deficits in facial recognition can be significant in other visual impairments, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Oklahoma
Norman, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wenger, Michael J — University of Oklahoma
- Study coordinator: Wenger, Michael J
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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.