Research Center: University of Maryland Baltimore
Location: 419 W. Redwood St., Suite 470
Lead Researcher: Dr. Osamah Saeedi
IRB: This study has been reviewed and approved by the University of Maryland IRB

Vision changes can be a major concern, especially as we age, and researchers are studying how age-related cognitive changes may affect vision. This study at the University of Maryland is exploring the link between aging, cognitive changes, and vision health, aiming to improve understanding and care for vision in the future.

Join this important research and contribute to advancements that could shape the future of eye care. Learn more and see if you qualify today!

• Participants will be compensated $50 for this study, with the potential to receive an additional $75 gift card if they participate in a co-enrolled study, which is determined on a case-by-case basis. Compensation will only be provided to eligible participants after they are deemed to have no medical comorbidities , their medical records are verified, and after completing the study protocol.
• Participants will be contributing valuable information that may benefit those with aging eye health problems in the future.
• Participants will be helping to advance medical research.

• If you decide to participate in the study and later feel that you no longer wish to be part of it, you can withdraw at any time.
• Any information that you provide will be kept strictly confidential, except as required by law.
• Qualified health professionals will monitor your health as it relates to the study.

• People 50+ who are NOT diagnosed with open-angle glaucoma
• Must have best-corrected visual acuity of 20/25 or better in both eyes
• Must not have any eye conditions, like corneal problems, that make it hard to measure eye pressure accurately
• Must not have any retinal diseases affecting retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness, such as diabetes with macular edema
• Must not have been diagnosed with secondary glaucoma
• Must not have a history of prior ocular surgery, except for uncomplicated cataract surgery, laser trabeculoplasty, or refractive surgery (e.g., LASIK)
• Must not have difficulty maintaining focus or fixating on objects or images
• Must not have history of stroke or dementia
• Must not be currently pregnant or breastfeeding
• Must not have an allergy or hypersensitivity to any medications including an allergy to shellfish or iodine contrast
• Must not have significant medical conditions such as uremia, hepatic disease, hypertension, or diabetes
• Must be able to attend 1 study visit at the research site

The study team will explain the research in its entirety but some details are:

• Participants must complete tasks to assess balance, ambulatory function, and cognitive flexibility, including the Trail-Making Test Part B, the Sharpened Romberg Test (eyes open/closed), and the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test.
• Participants must undergo non-invasive imaging of the optic nerve and retina using OCT, Laser Speckle Contrast (with pupil dilation), and potentially fluorescein or ICG dye-enhanced imaging.
• Participants must agree to a potential one-time procedure involving a blood draw, dye injection, and video imaging of the eye, lasting approximately 5-6 hours at a clinical facility
• Participants must undergo imaging of nail capillary blood flow.

University of Maryland Baltimore
The University of Maryland, Baltimore is a public university in Baltimore, Maryland. Founded in 1807, it comprises some of the oldest professional schools of dentistry, law, medicine, pharmacy, social work, and nursing in the United States.