Using adaptive optics to improve retinal imaging

Adaptive Optics Retinal Imaging

Observational National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC) · NCT02317328

This study is testing whether a new imaging technique can help doctors take better pictures of the retina to improve diagnosis and treatment for people with eye diseases.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment1000 (estimated)
Ages12 Years to 120 Years
SexAll
SponsorNational Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC) NIH
Locations1 site (Bethesda, Maryland)
Trial IDNCT02317328 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of adaptive optics in capturing detailed images of the retina to enhance the diagnosis and management of retinal diseases. Participants, including individuals with eye diseases and healthy volunteers aged 12 and older, will undergo comprehensive eye exams and adaptive optics imaging at the National Eye Institute. The study will compare retinal images from healthy and diseased eyes to identify potential diagnostic improvements. The research will span five years and involve a total of 600 participants.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals aged 12 and older with diagnosed eye diseases or healthy volunteers with normal eye exams.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions that prevent adequate imaging, such as unstable fixation or media opacity, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to earlier detection and better management of retinal diseases, potentially improving patient outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies utilizing adaptive optics have shown promise in enhancing retinal imaging, indicating potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
* INCLUSION CRITERIA:

Participants will be eligible if they:

* Are 12 years of age or older.
* Have the ability to cooperate with an eye exam and adaptive optics imaging.
* Have the ability to understand and sign an informed consent or have a parent/legal guardian to do so if they are minor children.
* Have an eye disease or are a healthy volunteer with a normal eye exam (no visually-significant eye findings on examination).

EXCLUSION CRITERIA:

Participants will not be eligible if:

-They have a condition which prevents adequate images from being obtained (e.g. unstable fixation or media opacity).

EXCLUSION CRITERIA FOR FLUORESCEIN AND/OR INDOCYANINE GREEN IMAGING

Partaicipants are not eligible for fluorescein and/or indocyanine green imaging if they:

* Are under 18 years of age.
* For participants who will undergo fluorescein imaging have a history of adverse reaction to fluorescein.
* For participants who will undergo indocyanine green imaging have a history of adverse reaction to indocyanine green dye, know or suspected allergies to iodine or shellfish.

Where this trial is running

Bethesda, Maryland

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Eye DiseasesHealthy VolunteersEye DiseaseNatural History
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.