Understanding the progression of early atrophic lesions in age-related macular degeneration
Official title: Progression of Early Atrophic Lesions in Age-related Macular degeneration
Funded at University of Utah · NIH-10875371 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how early age-related macular degeneration (AMD) changes over time to find ways to help prevent serious vision loss, and it's for people who want to understand their condition better and improve their quality of life.
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, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $385,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY034965-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10875371 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with early atrophic age-related macular degeneration.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced stages of age-related macular degeneration or those without any form of AMD may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the progression of early atrophic age-related macular degeneration (AMD), focusing on a critical time window where interventions may prevent significant vision loss. By utilizing advanced retinal imaging and functional testing, the study aims to identify microstructural changes and assess how these changes impact patients' quality of life. Patients will be monitored over time to gather comprehensive data on disease progression and risk factors, which could inform targeted therapies to preserve vision.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies that prevent vision loss in patients with early atrophic AMD.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding AMD progression, but this specific focus on early atrophic lesions represents a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schmitz-Valckenberg, Steffen — University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Schmitz-Valckenberg, Steffen
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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-
Active cycling program to support vision and daily living in Veterans with AMD
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-
Transplanting stem-cell–derived retinal cells to treat dry AMD
A medical team is testing a stem cell therapy to replace damaged retinal cells in adults with dry age-related macular degeneration.
-
RPESC-derived RPE Transplant for Dry AMD in adults
A new cell-based therapy derived from RPESCs is being tested to help adults with dry age-related macular degeneration regain vision.
-
New high-resolution OCT biomarkers to map early AMD changes
A new imaging approach using advanced OCT methods will help doctors see early changes in age-related macular degeneration to guide treatment and improve quality of life for older adults.
-
Targeting inflammation in age-related macular degeneration
Aims to understand how inflammation drives age-related macular degeneration in people and explore new targets to slow or stop vision loss.
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.