Understanding how certain fatty acids affect eye health and diseases
Official title: Elucidating the Role of Very-long-chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Retinal Health and Disease
Funded at University of Utah · NIH-10862795 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain healthy fats in our diet can help keep our eyes healthy and may protect against vision problems like age-related macular degeneration, so it’s for anyone interested in improving their eye health through nutrition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $390,875 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY034497-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10862795 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals at risk for age-related macular degeneration or those with early signs of retinal disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with retinal diseases unrelated to VLC-PUFAs or those who do not have any dietary concerns regarding fatty acid intake may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of very-long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (VLC-PUFAs) in maintaining retinal health and their potential link to diseases like age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The study examines how dietary intake of these fatty acids influences their levels in the retina and how this may affect retinal function and structure. By using animal models, researchers aim to uncover the mechanisms by which VLC-PUFAs contribute to retinal health and how mutations in related genes can lead to vision problems. The findings could provide insights into dietary recommendations for preventing or managing retinal diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new dietary guidelines or treatments that help protect against or manage retinal diseases, particularly AMD.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results regarding the protective effects of dietary fatty acids on retinal health, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
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University of Utah
Salt Lake City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bernstein, Paul Steven — University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Bernstein, Paul Steven
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.