Understanding Vision Loss in Multiple Sclerosis Beyond Optic Nerve Damage
Beyond ganglion cells: Novel foveal avascular zone features in MS with implications for vision loss
This project looks for new features in the eye's blood vessel-free zone that might explain vision loss in people with multiple sclerosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11109436 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We know that multiple sclerosis (MS) can cause vision problems, but the current understanding doesn't fully explain why some people lose vision even when their optic nerve cells seem okay. Our team found new structural features in a specific part of the eye, called the foveal avascular zone, in many people with MS. These features appear to cast a shadow on the light-sensing cells and are linked to how well someone sees. We are using advanced eye imaging to better understand these features and how they contribute to vision loss, hoping to find new ways to diagnose and treat this problem.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is relevant for adults aged 21 and older who have multiple sclerosis and experience vision loss.
Not a fit: Patients whose vision loss is fully explained by known optic nerve damage may not directly benefit from this particular line of inquiry.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to diagnose vision problems in MS earlier and develop more effective treatments.
How similar studies have performed: This project explores newly discovered features, making it a novel approach to understanding vision loss in MS.
Where this research is happening
Stanford, United States
- Stanford University — Stanford, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Moss, Heather Elspeth — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Moss, Heather Elspeth
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.