PANDA-ASOCT
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An observational longitudinal cohort study on the clinical application of anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) as an imaging tool in detecting, grading and monitoring non-infectious anterior uveitis, in children and young people, at a single regional multi-disciplinary paediatric uveitis service comparing with the standard slit lamp examination, and development of deep learning in automated analysis
IRAS ID
351221
Contact name
Jessy T L Choi
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Uveitis, an inflammation inside the eye, is a rare chronic-eye-condition in children and young people (CYP). It does not cause pain, redness or swelling, therefore no-one knows when or how long it has been there, until it is too late. Untreated uveitis can cause 1 in 5 children losing their eyesight in at least one eye. Uveitis can occur with systemic auto-immune condition e.g. juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), the most common auto-inflammatory joint disease in children. UK Medical Royal Colleges recommend regular uveitis screening for all children with JIA, to detect uveitis early and prevent blindness.
The standard method to detect uveitis involves using a bright-light microscopy to look directly into the eye to estimate the inflammation visible through looking at the cells in the eye, which is prone to inconsistencies. Hence, to improve this method and increase accessibility of uveitis care, we aim to use a new specialised camera and assess how good it is at detecting inflammation inside children’s eyes. The camera is very sensitive, proven to be safe and has been widely used in other eye diseases such as cornea and glaucoma.
In this study, we will use the images captured and compared it with current standard eye examination. Additionally, we aim use the proven images to (1) further understanding of the disease which will allow us to predict the disease progress, outcome and response to treatment, and (2) to develop an automated analysis process. By having the above objectives, we aim to develop a new method of diagnosis uveitis, gain a better understanding of uveitis disease process and improve patient care through improved early detection and accessibility in the community.
REC name
North West - Preston Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/NW/0356
Date of REC Opinion
12 Feb 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion