Retinal Imaging in Neurodegenerative Disease

February 2, 2026 updated by: Duke University

Evaluating the Retinal and Choroidal Microvasculature and Structure Using Multimodal Retinal and Choroidal Imaging in Neurodegenerative Disease: iMIND Research Study

This study aims to develop and evaluate biomarkers using non-invasive optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography (OCTA) as well as ultra-widefield (UWF) fundus photography to assess the structure and function of the retinal and choroidal microvasculature and structure in persons with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's Disease (AD), Parkinson's Disease (PD), or other neurodegenerative disease, diseases as outlined.

Study Overview

Status

Status

Indicates the current recruitment status or the expanded access status.
Recruiting

Conditions

Conditions

The disease, disorder, syndrome, illness, or injury that is being studied. On ClinicalTrials.gov, conditions may also include other health-related issues, such as lifespan, quality of life, and health risks.

Intervention / Treatment

Intervention / Treatment

A process or action that is the focus of a clinical study. Interventions include drugs, medical devices, procedures, vaccines, and other products that are either investigational or already available. Interventions can also include noninvasive approaches, such as education or modifying diet and exercise.

Detailed Description

Using a multidisciplinary approach, this study aims to yield new insight into the vascular and structural pathophysiology of neurodegenerative disease. The investigators propose to develop and evaluate imaging biomarkers from OCT, OCTA, and UWF fundus photos to assess the structure and function of the retinal and choroidal microvasculature and structure in these individuals.

The investigators hypothesize that microvascular and structural network alterations in the retina and choroid may mirror and possibly precede changes in the cerebral microcirculation seen in these neurodegenerative diseases. Using advanced image analysis and machine learning techniques, the investigators aim to evaluate markers of reduced capillary blood flow and non-perfusion in the superficial retinal vascular plexus and choriocapillaris imaged using OCT and OCTA, in a resolution not previously possible, that would complement already established retinal structural markers and increase their sensitivity and specificity in the earlier detection of these neurodegenerative diseases.

This study looks to provide a proof of concept for retinal and choroidal imaging-based microvascular and structural biomarkers as an effective screening tool for neurodegenerative disease, particularly during in cognitive aging.

The protocol for this study was amended and the record was updated accordingly.

Study Type

Study Type

Describes the nature of a clinical study. Study types include interventional studies (also called clinical trials), observational studies (including patient registries), and expanded access.
Observational

Enrollment (Estimated)

Enrollment

The number of participants in a clinical study. The "anticipated" enrollment is the target number of participants that the researchers need for the study.
2000

Phase

Phase

The stage of a clinical trial studying a drug or biological product, based on definitions developed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The phase is based on the study's objective, the number of participants, and other characteristics. There are five phases: Early Phase 1 (formerly listed as Phase 0), Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3, and Phase 4. Not Applicable is used to describe trials without FDA-defined phases, including trials of devices or behavioral interventions.
  • Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Contact

Study Contact

The name and contact information for the person who can answer enrollment questions for a clinical study. Each location where the study is being conducted may also have a specific contact, who may be better able to answer those questions.
  • Name: Sharon Fekrat, MD FACS FASRS
  • Phone Number: 919-681-3937
  • Email: imind@duke.edu

Study Locations

  • United States
    • North Carolina
      • Durham, North Carolina, United States, 27705
        • Recruiting
        • Duke University Medical Center
        • Contact:
          • Sharon Fekrat, MD FACS FASRS
          • Phone Number: 919-681-3937
          • Email: imind@duke.edu

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

The key requirements that people who want to participate in a clinical study must meet or the characteristics they must have. Eligibility criteria consist of both inclusion criteria (which are required for a person to participate in the study) and exclusion criteria (which prevent a person from participating). Types of eligibility criteria include whether a study accepts healthy volunteers, has age or age group requirements, or is limited by sex.

Ages Eligible for Study

18 years and older (Adult, Older Adult)

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Sampling Method

Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

Neurology Clinics and the community.

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Adults with neurodegenerative disease ((MCI, PD, AD, FTD, DLB, ALS, MS, HD, TBI, concussion, PTSD and other neurodegenerations as well as Down Syndrome)
  • Adults without neurodegenerative disease

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Inability to cooperate with or complete testing or other neurologic or age- related ocular conditions that would impact image acquisition.
  • Eyes that have had intraocular surgery, other than cataract surgery.

If two eyes satisfy the inclusion criteria, both eyes will be included in the study. If one eye satisfies the inclusion criteria, the eye that qualifies will be included in the study.

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

Cohorts and Interventions

Group / Cohort

Group / Cohort

A group or subgroup of participants in an observational study that is assessed for biomedical or health outcomes.
Intervention / Treatment

Intervention / Treatment

A process or action that is the focus of a clinical study. Interventions include drugs, medical devices, procedures, vaccines, and other products that are either investigational or already available. Interventions can also include noninvasive approaches, such as education or modifying diet and exercise.
Case
Patients with (MCI, PD, AD, FTD, DLB, ALS, MS, HD, TBI, concussion, PTSD and other neurodegenerations as well as Down Syndrome)
Device: Retinal and Choroidal Imaging
Non-invasive OCT, OCTA, and UWF fundus photography of retina
Controls
Controls will be recruited from the relatives/attendants of study participants or will be patients themselves and will not have a neurodegenerative disease diagnosis.
Device: Retinal and Choroidal Imaging
Non-invasive OCT, OCTA, and UWF fundus photography of retina

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Primary Outcome Measures

In a clinical study's protocol, the planned outcome measure that is the most important for evaluating the effect of an intervention/treatment. Most clinical studies have one primary outcome measure, but some have more than one.
Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Change in ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) thickness
Time Frame: Baseline, 1 year
Ganglion cell inner plexiform layer thickness as measured on optical coherence tomography scan of macula
Baseline, 1 year
Change in retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness
Time Frame: Baseline, 1 year
Retinal nerve fiber layer thickness as measured on optical coherence tomography scan of macula
Baseline, 1 year
Change in central subfield thickness (CST)
Time Frame: Baseline, 1 year
Central subfield thickness as measured on optical coherence tomography scan of macula
Baseline, 1 year
Change in choroidal vascularity index (CVI)
Time Frame: Baseline, 1 year
Choroidal vascularity index as measured using the COIN software in 1500 um area centered on the fovea
Baseline, 1 year
Change in foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area
Time Frame: Baseline, 1 year
Foveal avascular zone area as measured in the superficial capillary plexus on 3mm optical coherence tomography angiography scan of the macula
Baseline, 1 year
Change in average perfusion density (PD)
Time Frame: Baseline, 1 year
Average perfusion density as measured in the ETDRS 3mm and 6mm circle and rings on optical coherence tomography angiography scan of the macula
Baseline, 1 year
Change in average vessel density (VD)
Time Frame: Baseline, 1 year
Average vessel density as measured in the ETDRS 3mm and 6mm circle and rings on optical coherence tomography angiography scan of the macula
Baseline, 1 year
Change in average capillary perfusion density (CPD)
Time Frame: Baseline, 1 year
Capillary perfusion density as measured on peripapillary 4.5mm optical coherence tomography angiography scan
Baseline, 1 year
Change in average capillary flux index (CFI)
Time Frame: Baseline, 1 year
Capillary flux index as measured on peripapillary 4.5mm optical coherence tomography angiography scan
Baseline, 1 year

Secondary Outcome Measures

Secondary Outcome Measures

In a clinical study's protocol, a planned outcome measure that is not as important as the primary outcome measure for evaluating the effect of an intervention but is still of interest. Most clinical studies have more than one secondary outcome measure.
Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Change in retinal vessel tortuosity
Time Frame: Baseline, 1 year
Retinal vessel tortuosity measured on ultra-widefield scanning laser ophthalmoscopy image using VAMPIRE software
Baseline, 1 year
Change in retinal vessel width gradient
Time Frame: Baseline, 1 year
Retinal vessel width gradient measured on ultra-widefield scanning laser ophthalmoscopy image using VAMPIRE software
Baseline, 1 year
Change in retinal vessel fractal dimension
Time Frame: Baseline, 1 year
Retinal vessel fractal dimension measured on ultra-widefield scanning laser ophthalmoscopy image using VAMPIRE software
Baseline, 1 year

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Sponsor

Sponsor

The organization or person who initiates the study and who has authority and control over the study.
Duke University

Collaborators

Collaborators

An organization other than the sponsor that provides support for a clinical study. This support may include activities related to funding, design, implementation, data analysis, or reporting.
University of Edinburgh in Scotland
Tan Tock Seng Hospital in Singapore
Queens University of Belfast United Kingdom

Investigators

Investigators

A researcher involved in a clinical study. Related terms include site principal investigator, site sub-investigator, study chair, study director, and study principal investigator.
  • Principal Investigator: Dilraj Grewal, MD, Duke University
  • Principal Investigator: Sharon Fekrat, MD FACS FASRS, Duke University

Publications and helpful links

The person responsible for entering information about the study voluntarily provides these publications. These may be about anything related to the study.

General Publications

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start (Actual)

Study Start

The actual date on which the first participant was enrolled in a clinical study. The "anticipated" study start date is the date that the researchers think will be the study start date.
July 20, 2017

Primary Completion (Estimated)

Primary Completion

The date on which the last participant in a clinical study was examined or received an intervention to collect final data for the primary outcome measure. Whether the clinical study ended according to the protocol or was terminated does not affect this date. For clinical studies with more than one primary outcome measure with different completion dates, this term refers to the date on which data collection is completed for all the primary outcome measures. The "anticipated" primary completion date is the date that the researchers think will be the primary completion date for the study.
December 31, 2026

Study Completion (Estimated)

Study Completion

The date on which the last participant in a clinical study was examined or received an intervention/treatment to collect final data for the primary outcome measures, secondary outcome measures, and adverse events (that is, the last participant's last visit). The "anticipated" study completion date is the date that the researchers think will be the study completion date.
December 31, 2026

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

First Submitted

The date on which the study sponsor or investigator first submitted a study record to ClinicalTrials.gov. There is typically a delay of a few days between the first submitted date and the record's availability on ClinicalTrials.gov (the first posted date).
July 26, 2017

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

The date on which the study sponsor or investigator first submits a study record that is consistent with National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review criteria. The sponsor or investigator may need to revise and submit a study record one or more times before NLM's QC review criteria are met. It is the responsibility of the sponsor or investigator to ensure that the study record is consistent with the NLM QC review criteria.
July 26, 2017

First Posted (Actual)

First Posted

The date on which the study record was first available on ClinicalTrials.gov after National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review has concluded. There is typically a delay of a few days between the date the study sponsor or investigator submitted the study record and the first posted date.
July 28, 2017

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

Last Update Posted

The most recent date on which changes to a study record were made available on ClinicalTrials.gov. There may be a delay between when the changes were submitted to ClinicalTrials.gov by the study's sponsor or investigator (the last update submitted date) and the last update posted date.
February 4, 2026

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

The most recent date on which the study sponsor or investigator submitted changes to a study record that are consistent with National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review criteria. It is the responsibility of the sponsor or investigator to ensure that the study record is consistent with the NLM QC review criteria.
February 2, 2026

Last Verified

Last Verified

The most recent date on which the study sponsor or investigator confirmed the information about a clinical study on ClinicalTrials.gov as accurate and current. If a study with a recruitment status of recruiting; not yet recruiting; or active, not recruiting has not been confirmed within the past 2 years, the study's recruitment status is shown as unknown.
February 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

Keywords

Additional Relevant MeSH Terms

Other Study ID Numbers

Other Study ID Numbers

Identifiers or ID numbers other than the NCT number that are assigned to a clinical study by the study's sponsor, funders, or others. These numbers may include unique identifiers from other trial registries and National Institutes of Health grant numbers.
  • Pro00111831

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?

NO

Drug and device information, study documents

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product

No

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product

Yes

product manufactured in and exported from the U.S.

No

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

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