Visual Performance in Prediabetics
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Visual function and retinal structural assessment in those at risk of diabetes
IRAS ID
318208
Contact name
Marisa Rodriguez Carmona
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
City, University of London
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 11 months, 30 days
Research summary
Diabetes, a global growing concern which can affect all ages and cause significant morbidity if not detected and managed in time. A frequently occurring complication is diabetic retinopathy (DR) characterised by retinal vascular changes. DR remains a leading cause of preventable blindness with an estimated 150 million people living with DR in 2021 and trends expecting this to increase to 233 million by 2045. (Teo et al., 2021).
Early detection provides greater opportunities for intervention and management to begin sooner. Initiating lifestyle modifications or treatment earlier has been found to delay or even prevent progression of the condition (Ramachandran et al., 2006; Knowler et al., 2002). The current diagnostic criteria for DR is the presence of retinal vascular changes. However, there is growing evidence of morphological changes to the neural retinal occurring before the onset of DR (Zhu et al., 2015). Early-stage diabetics have also presented with visual functional changes. These notable changes provide an opportunity to enhanced diabetic screening, and with the advancements in knowledge and technology there is still a large scope for continued research into the early detection of diabetes.
The focus of this study will be to determine whether those at risk of diabetes are also more susceptible to reduced colour vision, contrast sensitivity and flicker sensitivity. This study aims to investigate structural changes alongside these retinal functions to determine whether there is any correlation. Appreciating the relationship between these two characteristics could help us understand the course of progression of diabetic changes and allow not only early detection but also aid in monitoring and manging the condition over time.
With the use of the AVOT tests, colour vision, contrast sensitivity and rapid flicker sensitivity will be measured to see whether there is any correlation between those at risk of diabetes compared to diabetics & nondiabetics.
Research Questions
1. Is there a correlation between visual function (colour vision, contrast sensitivity, rapid flicker sensitivity) and Hba1c levels.
2. Are there any retinal structural changes in those with elevated Hba1c levels?
3. Could detailed psychophysical assessment and high efficacy imaging be effective in early detection of diabetes.REC name
London - City & East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/LO/0022
Date of REC Opinion
10 Jan 2023
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion