Using AI on eye scans and genes to predict glaucoma risk
Official title: Predicting the risk of glaucoma from structural, functional, and genetic factors using artificial intelligence
Funded at University of Miami School of Medicine · NIH-11469603 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project uses artificial intelligence on eye scans, vision tests, and genetic information to find people most likely to develop or have worsening glaucoma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Miami School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Coral Gables, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2022 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $462,313 |
| NIH project number | 7R01EY033005-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11469603 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include adults with suspicious optic nerve appearance, early glaucoma, a family history of glaucoma, or older adults at higher risk for the disease.
✕Less likely to help
People without available eye imaging or genetic information, or those whose vision loss is caused by other eye conditions, may not receive direct benefit from this work.
What this research studies
You may be asked to share eye imaging (like OCT and fundus photos), visual field test results, and a saliva or blood sample for genetic testing. Researchers will train AI algorithms to find patterns across these different types of data that signal higher risk of glaucoma onset or progression. They will test the models using existing clinical records and new participant data to check accuracy and consistency. The goal is a tool clinics can use to prioritize patients who need closer monitoring or earlier treatment to protect vision.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help clinicians identify high-risk patients earlier so treatment or closer follow-up can prevent vision loss.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies using AI on eye images have shown promise for detecting glaucoma, but combining imaging, visual field testing, and genetics is a relatively new approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Miami School of Medicine
Coral Gables, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yousefi, Siamak — University of Miami School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Yousefi, Siamak
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
IOP and CSF Pressure in Glaucoma Risk
This grant studies how eye pressure and cerebrospinal fluid pressure together influence glaucoma risk and vision loss.
-
Comparing tube positions in glaucoma implants to protect corneal cells
This trial compares two tube placements for glaucoma drainage implants to see which better protects corneal cells and controls eye pressure in people with uncontrolled glaucoma.
-
Automated topographic test for glaucoma detection and progression
A new automated method uses topographic structure-function mapping to help diagnose glaucoma earlier and track its progression in patients.
-
AI-based glaucoma screening in community health centers
A new, easy-to-use AI screening approach will be tested in federally funded health centers to help identify people at risk for glaucoma, especially in communities with higher risk.
-
Understanding how glaucoma genes control eye cell function
A long-term research project will study how genetic factors affect eye cells in adults with glaucoma to uncover new ideas for protecting vision.
-
Targeted dendrimer-n-acetylcysteine for protecting vision in glaucoma
A new patient-friendly treatment aims to deliver a neuroprotective drug directly to retinal cells to help people with glaucoma preserve their sight.
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.