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What if an eye test could predict — or even delay — the onset of blindness or Alzheimer’s disease? 

Researchers at The University of Maryland School of Medicine are studying how aging affects blood flow to the eyes. They hope that one day scientists can develop a diagnostic test to detect brain changes. 

“There’s a really strong connection between the eye and the brain. About 25% of your brain is used for vision,” said Dr. Osamah Saeedi, principal investigator of the new study. “We think we can use the eye as a marker for the brain in terms of aging.” 

This study looks at changes in the way blood flows in the eye using new techniques, all FDA approved, that track changes over time in normal aging. 

“We want to understand how you can use the eye to screen for or diagnose diseases in the brain and in the body,” he said. 

Only one visit needed 

The study requires just one visit, which will last one to two hours. Parking is validated at the University of Maryland facility, located in downtown Baltimore.  

At the visit, researchers will examine your eyes and ask you to do a few simple tasks, such as getting up out of a chair, walking, and balancing on one foot. 

“We want to look at not just the way the blood flows in the eye but how much that’s associated with your function — gait, cognition, balance,” Saeedi said. 

The short visit is an easy way to get a free eye exam, he noted. 

“The functional tests are super simple and super fast,” Saeedi said. “Come downtown, get a free eye exam…We can do a glasses prescription, too, if they need it.” 

At the end of the visit, participants will receive an electronic gift card in the amount of $50 and will have the option to schedule another visit if they choose. 

The optional second visit lasts five to six hours. Researchers will draw blood, mix it with a teaspoon of dye, and inject it back into your veins. (Side effects from the dye are uncommon.)  

Then they’ll record a short video of the blood flow into your eyes and fingernail beds. Compensation for that visit is free breakfast and lunch as well as a gift card for $75. 

People ages 50 to 90 are eligible for the study, which Saeedi hopes could benefit future generations. 

“The four major causes of blindness are related to the way blood flows in the back of the eye. If we’re able to identify people early on and get them treatment, then we can prevent blindness,” Saeedi said. 

“If we can slow or stop the disease,” he said, “we can make it so it’s never a problem in their lifetime.” 

For more information, email eyeresearch@som.umaryland.edu or call (667) 214-1463.