Understanding how people adapt their vision after losing central sight
Official title: The preferred retinal locus in central vision loss
Funded at University of California Berkeley · NIH-11049829 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how people with central vision loss, like from age-related macular degeneration, learn to use their side vision instead, and it aims to find out how they can make the best use of it to improve their daily activities and overall quality of life.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Berkeley NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Berkeley, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $606,092 |
| NIH project number | 1R01EY036054-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11049829 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing central vision loss due to age-related macular degeneration.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with intact central vision or those whose vision loss is not related to macular degeneration may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how individuals with central vision loss, particularly from age-related macular degeneration, adapt by using their peripheral vision. It focuses on identifying the new retinal location, known as the preferred retinal locus (PRL), that patients use for visual tasks. The study aims to understand the mechanisms behind the development of the PRL and its effectiveness for various visual tasks, which could lead to improved rehabilitation strategies for those affected. By examining the properties of the PRL, researchers hope to enhance the quality of life for patients with central vision loss.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide new strategies for visual rehabilitation, helping patients regain better functional vision.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding visual adaptation in patients with central vision loss, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Berkeley
Berkeley, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chung, Susana T — University of California Berkeley
- Study coordinator: Chung, Susana T
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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.