Understanding vision impairment in older adults
Official title: Vision Impairment in the National Health and Aging Trends Study
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-10925361 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how common vision problems and blindness are in older adults, especially those 65 and up, and how these issues might affect their overall health and care needs, so we can better understand and support their vision health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $619,809 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY034479-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10925361 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 65 and over, particularly those experiencing vision impairment or blindness.
✕Less likely to help
Patients under the age of 65 or those without any vision impairment may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the prevalence and impact of vision impairment and blindness among older adults, particularly those aged 65 and over. By utilizing data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study, the project aims to identify how various risk factors influence vision health and the associated outcomes, such as dementia and long-term care admissions. The study will provide national estimates of vision impairment incidence and prevalence, helping to fill gaps in existing knowledge about this critical issue. Participants will be older adults who have undergone assessments of their visual function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and management of vision impairment in older adults, potentially enhancing their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding health outcomes related to vision impairment in older populations, making this approach both relevant and necessary.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ehrlich, Joshua Robert — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Ehrlich, Joshua Robert
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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.