Linking Retinal Imaging and Molecular Changes in Age-Related Macular Degeneration

By connecting biological signals with changes seen in retinal imaging, we aim to better understand how age-related macular degeneration progresses and support the development of more personalized approaches to preserving vision.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss, yet it may affect each person differently. This project combines detailed eye scans with genetic and blood-based molecular analyses to uncover the biological processes behind these differences. By linking genetic and molecular signals to changes in the retina, we aim to identify people at highest risk, understand disease progression, and guide the development of personalized strategies to protect vision. The ultimate goal is to preserve sight, improve quality of life, and inform targeted interventions for AMD.

This study brings together genetic information, blood-based molecular data, and retinal imaging in a single, integrated approach. Instead of looking at these data sources separately, we combine them to better understand why AMD differs between individuals. This allows us to move beyond describing risk toward explaining the underlying biological processes and improving how we predict disease progression.

This study could improve early identification of individuals at higher risk of progressing to advanced AMD, allowing closer monitoring and more timely intervention. For patients, this may support more personalized approaches to preserving vision and slowing disease impact. For the research field, it provides an integrated framework that links genetics, molecular biology, and imaging to better understand and predict AMD.