Using smartphones to detect diabetic eye disease in Egypt
Official title: Smartphone-based Retinal Imaging for Diabetic Retinopathy Detection in Egypt
Funded at Kennesaw State University · NIH-11060370 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new, affordable way to check for eye problems caused by diabetes using smartphones, making it easier for people in places like Egypt to get the eye care they need and help prevent blindness.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Kennesaw State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kennesaw, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2025 |
| Project end | February 28, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $179,440 |
| NIH project number | 1R21EY037104-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11060370 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who have been diagnosed with diabetes and are at risk for diabetic retinopathy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have diabetes or those with advanced diabetic retinopathy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a portable and cost-effective method for detecting diabetic retinopathy using smartphones. By attaching a retinal imaging device to smartphones, the project aims to capture high-quality images of the retina, which will then be analyzed using advanced deep learning algorithms. This approach is particularly important in low- and middle-income countries like Egypt, where traditional imaging equipment is often too expensive and bulky for widespread use. The goal is to improve access to retinal screening and ultimately reduce the risk of blindness among individuals with diabetes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly enhance early detection of diabetic retinopathy, leading to timely treatment and prevention of vision loss.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using smartphone technology for medical imaging, indicating that this approach could be effective for diabetic retinopathy detection.
Where this research is happening
-
Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Karakaya, Mahmut — Kennesaw State University
- Study coordinator: Karakaya, Mahmut
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
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-
Smartphone retinal imaging for diabetic eye disease in Egypt
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Retinal Cell Loss in Diabetic Retinopathy
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-
Redox-triggered REDD1 blockers for diabetic retinopathy
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Ultrafast eye imaging to detect and track diabetic retinopathy
A doctor-science team is developing ultra-fast eye scans to better see tiny blood vessels in people with diabetic retinopathy, helping catch changes early and guide treatment.
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Practical device to automatically track abnormal retinal blood vessel growth in diabetic eye disease
A new, easier-to-use imaging device aims to automatically detect and monitor abnormal retinal blood vessel growth in people with diabetic retinopathy.
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.