Understanding Vision Problems in Premature Babies

The Underlying Mechanisms of Visual Impairment and Myopia in Prematurity

['FUNDING_R01'] · OAKLAND UNIVERSITY · NIH-11132886

This project aims to understand why premature babies often develop vision problems and nearsightedness.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorOAKLAND UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (ROCHESTER, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11132886 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

We want to understand how vision problems and nearsightedness develop in babies born prematurely. Our focus is on how the eye's early development, specifically natural electrical signals called 'retinal waves,' might be disrupted. We are also looking at how oxygen therapy, sometimes given to premature babies, can lead to a condition called retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), which causes vision loss. By learning more about these processes, we hope to find new ways to prevent and treat these eye conditions.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This research is focused on understanding conditions that affect premature infants, particularly those who develop vision impairment or nearsightedness.

Not a fit: Patients who are not premature or do not have vision problems related to prematurity may not directly benefit from this specific research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to prevent or treat vision problems and nearsightedness in children born prematurely.

How similar studies have performed: This project builds on preliminary findings to explore new mechanisms, as the exact causes of these vision problems are not yet fully understood.

Where this research is happening

ROCHESTER, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.