Longitudinal Natural History Study of Retinal Function in Eyes of Patients With Diabetes (AR)

March 26, 2026 updated by: Jaeb Center for Health Research
A considerable hurdle to the development of novel, more effective therapies for diabetic retinal disease is the limited number of primary endpoints available for use in regulatory trials. Current endpoints necessitate long trial durations and a greater number of participants to show efficacy. Thus, a better understanding of the structural and functional changes in the retina occurring in people with diabetes is essential for developing primary endpoints and validating surrogate and clinical endpoints.

Study Overview

Study Type

Observational

Enrollment (Estimated)

450

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

Ages Eligible for Study

  • Adult
  • Older Adult

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Sampling Method

Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

Individuals must meet all of the inclusion criteria and none of the exclusion criteria to be eligible to participate in the study. The potential study participant must have at least one eye meeting the inclusion criteria, but participants may have both eyes eligible for the study

Description

Key Inclusion Criteria:

  • Age ≥ 18 years
  • Diagnosed with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes or non-diabetic control patients
  • Best corrected visual acuity 20/32 or better (Snellen) (≥74 ETDRS letters)
  • Meets criteria for one of the defined observational groups below
  • Able and willing to provide informed consent

Key Exclusion Criteria:

  • Ocular or systemic condition, aside from diabetes mellitus (DM), that is likely to affect the assessment of DRSS, DME, or the functioning of the neural retina
  • Previous treatment of any kind for diabetic retinopathy or DME
  • Any condition that may preclude adequate imaging of the macula (e.g. dense cataract or other media opacity, ptosis)
  • History of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment or macular hole
  • History of vitrectomy
  • Intraocular surgery (including cataract surgery) within 4 months prior to enrollment or anticipated within the next 6 months
  • Requiring treatment for DR/DME in the next 6 months

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
Intervention / Treatment
Non-diabetic controls
Aged-matched people without a diagnosis of diabetes. At least one eye must be eligible without retinal pathology.
Visual Acuity measured with the Electronic Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (E-ETDRS) visual acuity test on a scale from 100 letters (Snellen equivalent of 20/10) to 0 letters (Snellen equivalent of <20/800). Higher scores indicate better visual acuity, and lower scores indicate worse visual acuity
Other Names:
  • Early treatment diabetic retinopathy study visual acuity ETDRS
The MNREAD (Minnesota Low-Vision Reading) test is a standardized test that measures reading performance in people with normal or impaired vision.
Other Names:
  • MNREAD (Minnesota Low-Vision Reading)
The objectiveFIELD Analyzer is a perimetry tool that measures visual fields using electroencephalography-based brain responses to flickering light. Higher sensitivity = better function, Lower sensitivity (more negative deviations from normal) = worse function; Global indices (MD, PSD-like values) indicate overall field loss and pattern of damage.
Other Names:
  • objectiveFIELD analyzer
A clinical device that utilizes the quick Contrast Sensitivity Function (qCSF) methodology to assess visual function. The qCSF method is a Bayesian adaptive algorithm designed to efficiently estimate a patient's contrast sensitivity across a wide range of spatial frequencies. Higher curve / higher AULCSF = better contrast sensitivity (normal vision). Lower curve / lower Area Under the Log Contrast Sensitivity Function = reduced contrast sensitivity (seen in early AMD, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, etc.).
Other Names:
  • AST Manifold qCSF
The RETeval® is a portable, handheld electroretinography (ERG) and visual evoked potential (VEP) device. It enables clinicians to assess the retinal and optic nerve.
Other Names:
  • RETeval device
Ultrawide field color photography is a high-resolution, wide-angle retinal imaging technique that captures both central and peripheral retina in natural color. Grading is typically based on the Diabetic Retinopathy Severity Scale or DRSS, which is a standardized grading scale from 10 (no DR) to 85 (severe PDR)
Other Names:
  • UWF-Photo
a high-resolution, wide-angle retinal vascular imaging technique that allows clinicians to see both central and peripheral retina blood flow, detect ischemia, leakage, and neovascularization, and guide diagnosis and treatment
Other Names:
  • UWF-FA
non-invasive retinal imaging tool that produces detailed cross-sectional images. Disease-specific grading systems (like macular thickness for DME or RNFL thickness for glaucoma) are used to quantify severity and monitor progression
Other Names:
  • OCT
non-invasive, dye-free imaging method that maps retinal and choroidal vasculature, allowing both qualitative and quantitative assessment of microvascular health. Quantitative metrics like vessel density, perfusion, FAZ size, and non-perfusion area serve as functional "scales" for disease severity and progression.
Other Names:
  • OCT-A
Subclinical (No diabetic retinopathy on the diabetic retinopathy severity scale)
Eyes of patients with a diagnosis of diabetes, Diabetic Retinopathy Severity Scale = 10, and no diabetic macular edema. Lower limit on duration of disease for Type 1 is 5 years, for Type 2 is 1 year
Visual Acuity measured with the Electronic Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (E-ETDRS) visual acuity test on a scale from 100 letters (Snellen equivalent of 20/10) to 0 letters (Snellen equivalent of <20/800). Higher scores indicate better visual acuity, and lower scores indicate worse visual acuity
Other Names:
  • Early treatment diabetic retinopathy study visual acuity ETDRS
The MNREAD (Minnesota Low-Vision Reading) test is a standardized test that measures reading performance in people with normal or impaired vision.
Other Names:
  • MNREAD (Minnesota Low-Vision Reading)
The objectiveFIELD Analyzer is a perimetry tool that measures visual fields using electroencephalography-based brain responses to flickering light. Higher sensitivity = better function, Lower sensitivity (more negative deviations from normal) = worse function; Global indices (MD, PSD-like values) indicate overall field loss and pattern of damage.
Other Names:
  • objectiveFIELD analyzer
A clinical device that utilizes the quick Contrast Sensitivity Function (qCSF) methodology to assess visual function. The qCSF method is a Bayesian adaptive algorithm designed to efficiently estimate a patient's contrast sensitivity across a wide range of spatial frequencies. Higher curve / higher AULCSF = better contrast sensitivity (normal vision). Lower curve / lower Area Under the Log Contrast Sensitivity Function = reduced contrast sensitivity (seen in early AMD, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, etc.).
Other Names:
  • AST Manifold qCSF
The RETeval® is a portable, handheld electroretinography (ERG) and visual evoked potential (VEP) device. It enables clinicians to assess the retinal and optic nerve.
Other Names:
  • RETeval device
Ultrawide field color photography is a high-resolution, wide-angle retinal imaging technique that captures both central and peripheral retina in natural color. Grading is typically based on the Diabetic Retinopathy Severity Scale or DRSS, which is a standardized grading scale from 10 (no DR) to 85 (severe PDR)
Other Names:
  • UWF-Photo
a high-resolution, wide-angle retinal vascular imaging technique that allows clinicians to see both central and peripheral retina blood flow, detect ischemia, leakage, and neovascularization, and guide diagnosis and treatment
Other Names:
  • UWF-FA
non-invasive retinal imaging tool that produces detailed cross-sectional images. Disease-specific grading systems (like macular thickness for DME or RNFL thickness for glaucoma) are used to quantify severity and monitor progression
Other Names:
  • OCT
non-invasive, dye-free imaging method that maps retinal and choroidal vasculature, allowing both qualitative and quantitative assessment of microvascular health. Quantitative metrics like vessel density, perfusion, FAZ size, and non-perfusion area serve as functional "scales" for disease severity and progression.
Other Names:
  • OCT-A
Minimal to Mild non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy
Eyes of patients with a diagnosis of diabetes, Diabetic Retinopathy Severity Scale = 20-35, and no center-involved diabetic macular edema
Visual Acuity measured with the Electronic Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (E-ETDRS) visual acuity test on a scale from 100 letters (Snellen equivalent of 20/10) to 0 letters (Snellen equivalent of <20/800). Higher scores indicate better visual acuity, and lower scores indicate worse visual acuity
Other Names:
  • Early treatment diabetic retinopathy study visual acuity ETDRS
The MNREAD (Minnesota Low-Vision Reading) test is a standardized test that measures reading performance in people with normal or impaired vision.
Other Names:
  • MNREAD (Minnesota Low-Vision Reading)
The objectiveFIELD Analyzer is a perimetry tool that measures visual fields using electroencephalography-based brain responses to flickering light. Higher sensitivity = better function, Lower sensitivity (more negative deviations from normal) = worse function; Global indices (MD, PSD-like values) indicate overall field loss and pattern of damage.
Other Names:
  • objectiveFIELD analyzer
A clinical device that utilizes the quick Contrast Sensitivity Function (qCSF) methodology to assess visual function. The qCSF method is a Bayesian adaptive algorithm designed to efficiently estimate a patient's contrast sensitivity across a wide range of spatial frequencies. Higher curve / higher AULCSF = better contrast sensitivity (normal vision). Lower curve / lower Area Under the Log Contrast Sensitivity Function = reduced contrast sensitivity (seen in early AMD, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, etc.).
Other Names:
  • AST Manifold qCSF
The RETeval® is a portable, handheld electroretinography (ERG) and visual evoked potential (VEP) device. It enables clinicians to assess the retinal and optic nerve.
Other Names:
  • RETeval device
Ultrawide field color photography is a high-resolution, wide-angle retinal imaging technique that captures both central and peripheral retina in natural color. Grading is typically based on the Diabetic Retinopathy Severity Scale or DRSS, which is a standardized grading scale from 10 (no DR) to 85 (severe PDR)
Other Names:
  • UWF-Photo
a high-resolution, wide-angle retinal vascular imaging technique that allows clinicians to see both central and peripheral retina blood flow, detect ischemia, leakage, and neovascularization, and guide diagnosis and treatment
Other Names:
  • UWF-FA
non-invasive retinal imaging tool that produces detailed cross-sectional images. Disease-specific grading systems (like macular thickness for DME or RNFL thickness for glaucoma) are used to quantify severity and monitor progression
Other Names:
  • OCT
non-invasive, dye-free imaging method that maps retinal and choroidal vasculature, allowing both qualitative and quantitative assessment of microvascular health. Quantitative metrics like vessel density, perfusion, FAZ size, and non-perfusion area serve as functional "scales" for disease severity and progression.
Other Names:
  • OCT-A
Moderate non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy
Eyes of patients with a diagnosis of diabetes, Diabetic Retinopathy Severity Scale = 43-47, and no center-involved diabetic macular edema
Visual Acuity measured with the Electronic Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (E-ETDRS) visual acuity test on a scale from 100 letters (Snellen equivalent of 20/10) to 0 letters (Snellen equivalent of <20/800). Higher scores indicate better visual acuity, and lower scores indicate worse visual acuity
Other Names:
  • Early treatment diabetic retinopathy study visual acuity ETDRS
The MNREAD (Minnesota Low-Vision Reading) test is a standardized test that measures reading performance in people with normal or impaired vision.
Other Names:
  • MNREAD (Minnesota Low-Vision Reading)
The objectiveFIELD Analyzer is a perimetry tool that measures visual fields using electroencephalography-based brain responses to flickering light. Higher sensitivity = better function, Lower sensitivity (more negative deviations from normal) = worse function; Global indices (MD, PSD-like values) indicate overall field loss and pattern of damage.
Other Names:
  • objectiveFIELD analyzer
A clinical device that utilizes the quick Contrast Sensitivity Function (qCSF) methodology to assess visual function. The qCSF method is a Bayesian adaptive algorithm designed to efficiently estimate a patient's contrast sensitivity across a wide range of spatial frequencies. Higher curve / higher AULCSF = better contrast sensitivity (normal vision). Lower curve / lower Area Under the Log Contrast Sensitivity Function = reduced contrast sensitivity (seen in early AMD, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, etc.).
Other Names:
  • AST Manifold qCSF
The RETeval® is a portable, handheld electroretinography (ERG) and visual evoked potential (VEP) device. It enables clinicians to assess the retinal and optic nerve.
Other Names:
  • RETeval device
Ultrawide field color photography is a high-resolution, wide-angle retinal imaging technique that captures both central and peripheral retina in natural color. Grading is typically based on the Diabetic Retinopathy Severity Scale or DRSS, which is a standardized grading scale from 10 (no DR) to 85 (severe PDR)
Other Names:
  • UWF-Photo
a high-resolution, wide-angle retinal vascular imaging technique that allows clinicians to see both central and peripheral retina blood flow, detect ischemia, leakage, and neovascularization, and guide diagnosis and treatment
Other Names:
  • UWF-FA
non-invasive retinal imaging tool that produces detailed cross-sectional images. Disease-specific grading systems (like macular thickness for DME or RNFL thickness for glaucoma) are used to quantify severity and monitor progression
Other Names:
  • OCT
non-invasive, dye-free imaging method that maps retinal and choroidal vasculature, allowing both qualitative and quantitative assessment of microvascular health. Quantitative metrics like vessel density, perfusion, FAZ size, and non-perfusion area serve as functional "scales" for disease severity and progression.
Other Names:
  • OCT-A
Severe non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy
Eyes of patients with a diagnosis of diabetes, Diabetic Retinopathy Severity Scale = 53, and no center-involved diabetic macular edema
Visual Acuity measured with the Electronic Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (E-ETDRS) visual acuity test on a scale from 100 letters (Snellen equivalent of 20/10) to 0 letters (Snellen equivalent of <20/800). Higher scores indicate better visual acuity, and lower scores indicate worse visual acuity
Other Names:
  • Early treatment diabetic retinopathy study visual acuity ETDRS
The MNREAD (Minnesota Low-Vision Reading) test is a standardized test that measures reading performance in people with normal or impaired vision.
Other Names:
  • MNREAD (Minnesota Low-Vision Reading)
The objectiveFIELD Analyzer is a perimetry tool that measures visual fields using electroencephalography-based brain responses to flickering light. Higher sensitivity = better function, Lower sensitivity (more negative deviations from normal) = worse function; Global indices (MD, PSD-like values) indicate overall field loss and pattern of damage.
Other Names:
  • objectiveFIELD analyzer
A clinical device that utilizes the quick Contrast Sensitivity Function (qCSF) methodology to assess visual function. The qCSF method is a Bayesian adaptive algorithm designed to efficiently estimate a patient's contrast sensitivity across a wide range of spatial frequencies. Higher curve / higher AULCSF = better contrast sensitivity (normal vision). Lower curve / lower Area Under the Log Contrast Sensitivity Function = reduced contrast sensitivity (seen in early AMD, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, etc.).
Other Names:
  • AST Manifold qCSF
The RETeval® is a portable, handheld electroretinography (ERG) and visual evoked potential (VEP) device. It enables clinicians to assess the retinal and optic nerve.
Other Names:
  • RETeval device
Ultrawide field color photography is a high-resolution, wide-angle retinal imaging technique that captures both central and peripheral retina in natural color. Grading is typically based on the Diabetic Retinopathy Severity Scale or DRSS, which is a standardized grading scale from 10 (no DR) to 85 (severe PDR)
Other Names:
  • UWF-Photo
a high-resolution, wide-angle retinal vascular imaging technique that allows clinicians to see both central and peripheral retina blood flow, detect ischemia, leakage, and neovascularization, and guide diagnosis and treatment
Other Names:
  • UWF-FA
non-invasive retinal imaging tool that produces detailed cross-sectional images. Disease-specific grading systems (like macular thickness for DME or RNFL thickness for glaucoma) are used to quantify severity and monitor progression
Other Names:
  • OCT
non-invasive, dye-free imaging method that maps retinal and choroidal vasculature, allowing both qualitative and quantitative assessment of microvascular health. Quantitative metrics like vessel density, perfusion, FAZ size, and non-perfusion area serve as functional "scales" for disease severity and progression.
Other Names:
  • OCT-A
Proliferative diabetic retinopathy
Eyes of patients with a diagnosis of diabetes, Diabetic Retinopathy Severity Scale > 60, and no center-involved diabetic macular edema
Visual Acuity measured with the Electronic Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (E-ETDRS) visual acuity test on a scale from 100 letters (Snellen equivalent of 20/10) to 0 letters (Snellen equivalent of <20/800). Higher scores indicate better visual acuity, and lower scores indicate worse visual acuity
Other Names:
  • Early treatment diabetic retinopathy study visual acuity ETDRS
The MNREAD (Minnesota Low-Vision Reading) test is a standardized test that measures reading performance in people with normal or impaired vision.
Other Names:
  • MNREAD (Minnesota Low-Vision Reading)
The objectiveFIELD Analyzer is a perimetry tool that measures visual fields using electroencephalography-based brain responses to flickering light. Higher sensitivity = better function, Lower sensitivity (more negative deviations from normal) = worse function; Global indices (MD, PSD-like values) indicate overall field loss and pattern of damage.
Other Names:
  • objectiveFIELD analyzer
A clinical device that utilizes the quick Contrast Sensitivity Function (qCSF) methodology to assess visual function. The qCSF method is a Bayesian adaptive algorithm designed to efficiently estimate a patient's contrast sensitivity across a wide range of spatial frequencies. Higher curve / higher AULCSF = better contrast sensitivity (normal vision). Lower curve / lower Area Under the Log Contrast Sensitivity Function = reduced contrast sensitivity (seen in early AMD, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, etc.).
Other Names:
  • AST Manifold qCSF
The RETeval® is a portable, handheld electroretinography (ERG) and visual evoked potential (VEP) device. It enables clinicians to assess the retinal and optic nerve.
Other Names:
  • RETeval device
Ultrawide field color photography is a high-resolution, wide-angle retinal imaging technique that captures both central and peripheral retina in natural color. Grading is typically based on the Diabetic Retinopathy Severity Scale or DRSS, which is a standardized grading scale from 10 (no DR) to 85 (severe PDR)
Other Names:
  • UWF-Photo
a high-resolution, wide-angle retinal vascular imaging technique that allows clinicians to see both central and peripheral retina blood flow, detect ischemia, leakage, and neovascularization, and guide diagnosis and treatment
Other Names:
  • UWF-FA
non-invasive retinal imaging tool that produces detailed cross-sectional images. Disease-specific grading systems (like macular thickness for DME or RNFL thickness for glaucoma) are used to quantify severity and monitor progression
Other Names:
  • OCT
non-invasive, dye-free imaging method that maps retinal and choroidal vasculature, allowing both qualitative and quantitative assessment of microvascular health. Quantitative metrics like vessel density, perfusion, FAZ size, and non-perfusion area serve as functional "scales" for disease severity and progression.
Other Names:
  • OCT-A

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Does the performance of the objectiveFIELD Analyzer at baseline worsen as the Diabetic Retinopathy Severity Score increases
Time Frame: 4 Years
The objectiveFIELD Analyzer is a perimetry tool that measures visual fields using electroencephalography-based brain responses to flickering light. Higher sensitivity = better function, Lower sensitivity (more negative deviations from normal) = worse function; Global indices (MD, PSD-like values) indicate overall field loss and pattern of damage.
4 Years
Does the performance of the Contrast sensitivity (AST Manifold qCSF) at baseline worsen as the Diabetic Retinopathy Severity Score increases
Time Frame: 4 Years
A clinical device that utilizes the quick Contrast Sensitivity Function (qCSF) methodology to assess visual function. The qCSF method is a Bayesian adaptive algorithm designed to efficiently estimate a patient's contrast sensitivity across a wide range of spatial frequencies. Higher curve / higher AULCSF = better contrast sensitivity (normal vision). Lower curve / lower Area Under the Log Contrast Sensitivity Function = reduced contrast sensitivity (seen in early AMD, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, etc.).
4 Years
Does the performance of the Electroretinography (ERG) at baseline worsen as the Diabetic Retinopathy Severity Score increases
Time Frame: 4 Years
The RETeval® is a portable, handheld electroretinography (ERG) and visual evoked potential (VEP) device. It enables clinicians to assess the retinal and optic nerve.
4 Years
Does the performance of the Ultrawide field-color photograph at baseline worsen as the Diabetic Retinopathy Severity Score increases
Time Frame: 4 Years
Ultrawide field color photography is a high-resolution, wide-angle retinal imaging technique that captures both central and peripheral retina in natural color. Grading is typically based on the Diabetic Retinopathy Severity Scale or DRSS, which is a standardized grading scale from 10 (no DR) to 85 (severe PDR)
4 Years
Does the performance of the Ultrawide field-Fluorescein angiogram at baseline worsen as the Diabetic Retinopathy Severity Score increases
Time Frame: 4 Years
A high-resolution, wide-angle retinal vascular imaging technique that allows clinicians to see both central and peripheral retina blood flow, detect ischemia, leakage, and neovascularization, and guide diagnosis and treatment
4 Years
Does the performance of the Optical coherence tomography at baseline worsen as the Diabetic Retinopathy Severity Score increases
Time Frame: 4 Years
A non-invasive retinal imaging tool that produces detailed cross-sectional images. Disease-specific grading systems (like macular thickness for DME or RNFL thickness for glaucoma) are used to quantify severity and monitor progression
4 Years
Does the performance of the Optical Coherence Tomography- Angiography at baseline worsen as the Diabetic Retinopathy Severity Score increases
Time Frame: 4 Years
A non-invasive, dye-free imaging method that maps retinal and choroidal vasculature, allowing both qualitative and quantitative assessment of microvascular health. Quantitative metrics like vessel density, perfusion, FAZ size, and non-perfusion area serve as functional "scales" for disease severity and progression.
4 Years
Does the performance of Visual Acuity at baseline worsen as the Diabetic Retinopathy Severity Score increases
Time Frame: 4 Years
Visual Acuity measured with the Electronic Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (E-ETDRS) visual acuity test on a scale from 100 letters (Snellen equivalent of 20/10) to 0 letters (Snellen equivalent of <20/800). Higher scores indicate better visual acuity, and lower scores indicate worse visual acuity
4 Years

Collaborators and Investigators

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

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 (Estimated)

May 2, 2026

Primary Completion (Estimated)

December 1, 2027

Study Completion (Estimated)

December 1, 2032

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

October 7, 2025

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

November 25, 2025

First Posted (Actual)

December 8, 2025

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

April 1, 2026

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

March 26, 2026

Last Verified

March 1, 2026

More Information

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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