The ARMS-HD Study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Analysing Retinal Metabolism in Health & Disease - An Observational Study
IRAS ID
354367
Contact name
Saaeha Rauz
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Birmingham
Duration of Study in the UK
5 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
The retina is the part of the eye that helps us see by detecting light and sending messages to the brain. Problems with the retina are common and can sometimes cause permanent vision loss. In the UK, the main causes of sight loss are age-related macular degeneration (which affects the centre of the retina) and diabetic eye disease. Other conditions, like inflammation in the eye (known as uveitis), can also damage the retina. Unfortunately, once the retina is damaged, it usually can’t be fixed, which means the vision loss can be permanent.
This study aims to understand how the tiny energy-producing parts of cells, called mitochondria, behave in people with eye diseases. We will use images collected from routinely used medical imaging devices and a special medically approved scanner, called the OcuMet Beacon, to check how well the mitochondria in the retina are working in healthy populations and those at risk of developing retinal problems.
REC name
North West - Liverpool Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/NW/0150
Date of REC Opinion
25 Jun 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion