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Woman receiving an eye exam.

Vitreous Eye Exam Study Goals

We are studying how the vitreous gel that fills the back of the eye changes from birth to old age. Some of these changes can cause eye problems. If we can understand these changes better, we may be able to develop new ways to prevent people from losing vision in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I have to do if I am in the vitreous eye exam study?

You are asked to do one eye exam, which will take about 2 hours. There may be an option in the future to do a yearly eye exam if you wish.

What will happen at the eye exam? 

At the beginning of the visit, a staff member will explain the research study to you in depth and get your written permission if you want to participate. After that, we will measure your glasses prescription, dilate your eyes, and take measurements of your eyes using light.

What are the risks of being in the vitreous eye exam study?

The dilating eye drops can cause you to be sensitive to light and can make your vision blurry. We recommend you don’t drive for 4 to 6 hours after the visit. Very rarely, numbing or dilating drops may cause redness, discomfort, allergic reactions, or high eye pressure (glaucoma). 

You also may feel discomfort due to lights or the eye pressure test during the visit.

There is a risk of loss of your personal information. We take many precautions to protect your information.

How will being in the vitreous eye exam study help me?

You may choose to receive a copy of your glasses prescription.

Will I receive compensation for being in the vitreous eye exam study?

You will receive a $40 gift card after completing each study visit.

Who can be part of the vitreous eye exam study?

We are currently looking for people between the ages of 5-40 with healthy eyes who do not wear contacts or glasses and have no history of LASIK. People with healthy eyes should also have no known eye diseases or diabetes. We are also looking for people with a specific disease, familial exudative vitreoretinopathy, to participate in the study. Multiple individuals in the same family can arrange to come for a study visit at the same time.

How do I sign up to participate?

You can call or text 801-413-3524You can email vitstudy@utah.edu.

Where will the vitreous eye exam study visits take place?

They will take place at the following University of Utah Health locations: