National Eye Institute Biorepository for Retinal Diseases

Launched by NATIONAL EYE INSTITUTE (NEI) · Dec 17, 2011

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The National Eye Institute Biorepository for Retinal Diseases is a study aimed at understanding various eye conditions, including Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Diabetic Retinopathy. Researchers want to learn more about these diseases by collecting health information and samples, like blood and tissue, from both people who have these eye conditions and those who do not. By studying these samples, they hope to figure out why some individuals develop eye problems while others remain healthy, and why treatments work for some people but not for others.

To participate, individuals must be at least 2 years old and can either have a diagnosed eye disease or be healthy with no history of eye problems. Participants will undergo a physical and eye exam, answer questions about their medical and family history, and provide samples such as blood, tears, or saliva as needed. It's important to note that this study does not provide any treatment; its main goal is to gather information for future research. If you're interested in contributing to the understanding of retinal diseases, this study might be a good fit for you or a family member.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• * INCLUSION CRITERIA:
• Participants will be eligible if they:
• • Have the ability to understand and sign an informed consent or have a parent/legal guardian to do so if they are minor children.
• • Manifest diagnosed or undiagnosed retinal disease(s), or could serve as an unaffected control suitable for comparison to participants with various retinal diseases, particularly AMD and diabetic retinopathy (taking into account matching factors such as age and past ocular history).
• EXCLUSION CRITERIA:
• Participants will not be eligible if they:
• • Are unable or unwilling to give informed consent that includes collection and study of at least one peripheral blood sample.
• • Are unable or unwilling to give informed consent that includes use of NIH medical records and clinical samples for research.
• • Have a systemic disease that compromises the ability to provide adequate ophthalmologic examination or treatment.