Using eye imaging to study blood vessel changes in patients with high blood pressure and kidney disease

Assessment of Retinal Vasculature Using Optical Coherence Tomography in Health, Hypertension & Chronic Kidney Disease.

Observational University of Edinburgh · NCT02132741

This study is testing if eye imaging can help show changes in blood vessels for people with high blood pressure and kidney disease compared to healthy individuals.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment150 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Edinburgh Academic / other
Locations1 site (Edinburgh, Midlothian)
Trial IDNCT02132741 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to explore the relationship between hypertension, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and changes in the eye's blood vessels using optical coherence tomography (OCT). By comparing images of the retinal and choroidal structures in patients with hypertension and CKD to those of healthy individuals, the study seeks to determine if OCT can effectively detect vascular changes. The non-invasive nature of OCT allows for quick and easy image acquisition, facilitating recruitment at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. The findings may provide insights into how treating hypertension and CKD could improve vascular health.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18-80 with hypertension and/or chronic kidney disease.

Not a fit: Patients with significant eye disease or those who have had recent eye surgery may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance understanding of vascular health in patients with hypertension and CKD, potentially leading to improved treatment strategies.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of OCT in this context is relatively novel, similar studies have shown promise in detecting vascular changes in other populations.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Male or female
* Age 18-80
* Body mass index ≤35
* For those with hypertension: BP ≥140/90 or on treatment for hypertension
* For those with CKD: CKD as defined by the Kidney Diseases Quality Initiative guidelines

Exclusion Criteria:

* Subject is below the age of legal consent, or is mentally or legally incapacitated
* The subject has donated blood (450 ml) within the last 4 weeks
* Past or present drug or alcohol abuse including intravenous drug abuse at any time
* Participation in another clinical trial within 1 month
* Considered to be at high risk of HIV or hepatitis B
* Patients with known eye disease, or previous eye surgery, or refractive error greater than +/- 6 dioptres.

Where this trial is running

Edinburgh, Midlothian

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 HealthHypertensionChronic Kidney DiseaseOCThypertensionCKD
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.