Understanding how aging affects vision differently in men and women
Sex-dependent aging mechanisms of retina and visual cortex
This research aims to discover why our eyes and vision change with age, especially looking at differences between men and women, to help find new ways to treat vision loss.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Georgetown University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Washington, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11192237 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
As we get older, our vision can change, leading to issues like decreased sharpness and difficulty seeing colors or contrasts. This project explores how these changes happen in the retina, which is the light-sensing part of the eye, and how the brain processes what we see. We are particularly interested in age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of blindness, and why it affects women more often than men. By understanding these sex-specific differences, we hope to uncover new ways to prevent or treat vision problems related to aging.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is relevant for anyone experiencing age-related vision changes or those at risk for conditions like age-related macular degeneration.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment or direct clinical intervention will not find direct benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments for age-related vision loss, particularly for age-related macular degeneration, by targeting specific mechanisms that differ between sexes.
How similar studies have performed: While some studies have noted sex differences in AMD, this research aims to specifically uncover the underlying biological reasons for these differences, addressing an unmet medical need.
Where this research is happening
Washington, United States
- Georgetown University — Washington, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Golestaneh, Nady — Georgetown University
- Study coordinator: Golestaneh, Nady
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.