Understanding how diabetes affects eye health and vision loss
Official title: Characterizing ocular structures and local retinal function in the progression of different objective phenotypes of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes
Funded at University of Houston · NIH-11066500 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how prediabetes and type 2 diabetes can affect your eye health, especially in causing vision problems, and it aims to find early signs of eye damage so that we can help prevent vision loss for people at risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $662,672 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY034553-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11066500 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who have been diagnosed with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, or those with advanced diabetic retinopathy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes on eye health, specifically focusing on how these conditions lead to diabetic retinopathy, a major cause of vision loss. By utilizing advanced imaging techniques and objective health assessments, the study aims to identify early signs of eye damage in patients with glucose dysregulation. The goal is to develop methods for early diagnosis and intervention that could help prevent vision loss in at-risk individuals. Participants will undergo various tests to evaluate their ocular structures and functions in relation to their diabetes status.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier detection and prevention strategies for vision loss in individuals with diabetes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in using advanced imaging techniques to detect early signs of diabetic retinopathy, indicating that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Houston
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Harrison, Wendy W — University of Houston
- Study coordinator: Harrison, Wendy W
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How prediabetes and type 2 diabetes affect the eyes
Using advanced eye scans and routine health tests to find early eye changes in adults with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes.
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.