NIH grant aids work to diagnose, monitor Parkinson’s via eye’s retina

Researchers at NYU Langone Health received a $1.6 million, two-year grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to study eye changes as early markers for Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. The grant, part of the NIH’s Oculomics Initiative, could be extended for up to $4.8 million over four years. The project will use visible-light optical coherence tomography (OCT) to capture detailed images of the retina, aiming to detect early signs of neurodegenerative diseases and monitor the effectiveness of therapies. By examining retinal layers, researchers hope to improve early diagnosis and treatment options for these conditions.