Using advanced eye imaging to understand how premature birth affects vision and brain development in infants
Official title: Neonatal Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography to Assess the Effects of Postnatal Exposures on Retinal Development and Predict Neurodevelopmental Outcomes
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-10863968 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how being born too early affects babies' eye and brain development, using gentle imaging methods to see how different treatments might help their vision and growth, so we can find ways to give them the best care possible.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $393,262 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY033794-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10863968 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include preterm infants who are receiving intensive care and may be at risk for visual and neurodevelopmental impairments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are full-term infants or those who do not have any risk factors for visual or neurodevelopmental impairments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of premature birth on eye development and neurodevelopmental outcomes in infants. By utilizing non-invasive imaging techniques like optical coherence tomography and angiography, the study aims to analyze how various postnatal treatments, such as oxygen therapy and anti-VEGF injections, influence retinal development. The goal is to identify specific retinal biomarkers that can predict visual and developmental impairments in preterm infants, helping to improve early interventions and care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better prediction and management of visual and neurodevelopmental issues in premature infants.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using non-invasive imaging techniques to assess eye development in infants, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tsui, Irena — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Tsui, Irena
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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.