Understanding Retinal Changes in Premature Babies to Help Their Vision
Analyzing Retinal Microanatomy in Retinopathy of Prematurity to Improve Care
This research aims to better understand the eye development in premature infants with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) to help prevent vision problems later in life.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11061265 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Many premature babies are at risk for a condition called retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), which can lead to vision problems. Current screening methods for ROP are often uncomfortable for infants and don't provide a full picture of how the retina, the light-sensing part of the eye, is developing. This project uses a gentle, non-contact imaging technique called OCT to get detailed pictures of the retina's tiny structures and blood vessels right at the baby's bedside. By getting clearer, more complete information about the eye's development, we hope to find better ways to care for these infants and protect their vision.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research focuses on premature infants who are at risk for or have been diagnosed with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).
Not a fit: Patients who are not premature infants or do not have retinopathy of prematurity would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to more comfortable and accurate ways to screen for ROP, potentially improving long-term vision and neurodevelopmental outcomes for premature infants.
How similar studies have performed: While current ROP screening methods exist, this research introduces a novel, infant-friendly imaging approach to gather more detailed information about retinal microanatomy.
Where this research is happening
Durham, United States
- Duke University — Durham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Toth, Cynthia Ann — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Toth, Cynthia Ann
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.