Aging Research
Aging and Vasomotion
Our research team is currently investigating the effects of aging on vasomotion — the rhythmic pulsation of red blood cells in the eye. Using innovative techniques, we are able to track blood flow at the capillary level, providing vital insights into eye health.
We’re looking for participants to join our research as we explore how aging affects vasomotion and its connections to conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and glaucoma. Please find further details about the study below and we encourage you to reach out for more information about participating in this exciting study. Your participation could play a crucial role in advancing our understanding of how aging affects eye health.
Eligibility
Study Requirements
Must be:
- 50 years or older
Must not have:
- Iodine or shellfish allergy
- Liver or kidney disease
- Stroke or dementia
- Eye disease/surgery other than cataract or refractive surgery
- Pregnant or nursing
Design
Study Design
The study involves neurological tests and an imaging session at University of Maryland Faculty Physicians, Inc. in downtown Baltimore and will take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
If you choose to participate, you will undergo one imaging session at University of Maryland Faculty Physicians, Inc., and will be given a $50 gift card for the study. We offer complimentary transportation to and from the study visits.
| Part 1 Standard eye exam |
Part 2 Memory and mental tests |
Part 3 Balance and mobility tests |
Part 4 Ocular and nailfold imaging |
Meet the Team
- Osamah J. Saeedi, MD – Principal Investigator
- Saige Oechsli – Lead Clinical Research Assistant
- Yash Porwal – Research Assistant
- Ibrahim Saleh – Post Doctoral Fellow
- Marlon Diaz – Medical Student
- Priyanka Mann – Post Doctoral Fellow
- Christina Kilby – Clinical Research Coordinator
- Jeong-yoon Wu – Clinical Research Coordinator
Publications
- Amrik Gill, Samuel Asanad, He Eun Forbes, Shaiza Mansoor, Ria Kapoor, Saige Oechsli, Abhishek Rege, Osamah Saeedi; Retinal Blood Flow and Aging. Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. 2024;65(7):5932.
Contact Us
Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
University of Maryland School of Medicine
419 W. Redwood Street, Suite 470
Baltimore, MD 21201
Email: eyeresearch@som.umaryland.edu
Phone: 667-214-1463