Using advanced eye imaging to understand how premature birth affects vision and brain development in infants

Neonatal Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography to Assess the Effects of Postnatal Exposures on Retinal Development and Predict Neurodevelopmental Outcomes

NIH-funded research University of California Los Angeles · NIH-10863968

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 typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California Los Angeles NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Los Angeles, United States)
Project IDNIH-10863968 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include preterm infants who are receiving intensive care and may be at risk for visual and neurodevelopmental impairments.

Not a fit: 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.

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 performed: 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

Los Angeles, 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.
Conditions Alzheimer disease dementia
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.