Why some people get age-related cataracts and how to predict who is at risk
Official title: The Role of Genetic and Non-Genetic Factors and Causal Mechanisms Underlying Cataract Susceptibility For Risk Prediction
Funded at Kaiser Foundation Research Institute · NIH-11136900 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks for genetic differences and lifestyle factors that explain why some adults develop age-related cataracts to improve risk prediction.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Kaiser Foundation Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Oakland, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | July 1, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $343,899 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY033010-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11136900 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates would be middle-aged or older adults, especially from diverse ethnic backgrounds or those with a family history of cataract.
✕Less likely to help
People with congenital or pediatric cataracts or eye problems not related to age-related lens changes are unlikely to benefit from these findings.
What this research studies
This work builds on a large multiethnic genetic analysis that found 55 gene regions linked to cataract. Researchers will study how those genes function in the eye lens, examine whether the genetic signals change gene regulation across tissues, and explore connections between cataracts and traits like glaucoma, myopia, smoking, and BMI. The team will combine human genetic data, tissue-expression resources, and lab follow-up experiments to identify causal mechanisms. The ultimate aim is to merge genetic and non-genetic information to create better tools for predicting who may develop cataracts.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help identify people at higher risk for cataracts earlier and suggest ways to prevent or delay vision loss.
How similar studies have gone: Previous large genetic studies have identified many cataract-associated regions, but converting those findings into prevention or treatment strategies remains largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
-
Kaiser Foundation Research Institute
Oakland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Choquet, Helene — Kaiser Foundation Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Choquet, Helene
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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.