RecruitingObservational

A new intelligent eye imaging method to detect diabetic nerve damage early

This study is exploring a new, gentle way to check for nerve damage in people with diabetes. High blood sugar can affect nerves, often in the feet and hands, but current tests can miss early damage. This research uses a new eye scanning device that doesn't touch the eye, making it more comfortable and easier to use than older methods. This scanner, combined with smart computer analysis, aims to spot tiny changes in the eye's nerves that could signal diabetic nerve damage very early on. Finding these signs sooner could mean quicker treatment and better health outcomes for people with diabetes.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Liverpool

Enrolment target

230

Start

01 Jun 2026

Estimated completion

01 Oct 2027

Diabetes mellitus, polyneuropathies and other disorders of the peripheral nervous system

What is this study about?

Diabetes can sometimes lead to nerve damage, a problem called diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). This often affects the nerves in your hands and feet, leading to changes in feeling or pain. Currently, this damage is often only found when symptoms become noticeable, and some tests involve touching the eye or even minor surgery, which can be uncomfortable or unsuitable for everyone. This means we often miss the earliest signs of nerve damage.

This study is testing a brand-new way to detect this nerve damage much earlier. It uses a special eye scanner called an optical coherence microscope (OCM). What's great about this new scanner is that it can take very detailed pictures of the tiny nerves in the front part of your eye (called the cornea) without actually touching your eye. This makes the scan quick, comfortable, and much easier to do, potentially for a lot more people. The researchers have found that changes in these eye nerves can show up even before you feel any symptoms of DPN.

To make this even more effective, the new scanning device will also work with artificial intelligence (AI). This smart computer system can automatically look at the eye pictures and spot any signs of nerve damage. By putting together comfortable, touch-free eye scans with clever computer analysis, the aim is to create a modern and widely available method to find diabetic nerve damage at its very first stages. This could allow treatments to begin sooner, hopefully preventing more serious problems down the line.

Key takeaways

Tests a new, gentle eye scan for early diabetic nerve damage.
The scanner doesn't touch the eye, making it comfortable.
Uses artificial intelligence to analyse eye images.
Aims for earlier diagnosis and better treatment for people with diabetes.
Looking for adults aged 18+ with or without diabetes.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged 18 or older. You might be able to join if you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, or if you don't have diabetes but are generally healthy. They are looking for a range of people to test this new device.

However, you won't be able to take part if you can't give your consent or if you've had a corneal transplant or eye injury before. Also, if you've had eye surgery or laser treatment in the last year, or if you have certain existing eye conditions like active dry eye, glaucoma, or other significant eye problems, you wouldn't be able to join. They also can't include people with other nerve conditions that aren't related to diabetes or if you have a pacemaker or other electronic device that would interfere with nerve tests.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Do you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, or are you generally healthy without diabetes?
Have you *not* had any recent eye surgery or certain serious eye conditions?
Do you *not* have other types of nerve damage unrelated to diabetes?
Are you able to provide consent to take part?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you will have a study visit at the Clinical Sciences Centre at Aintree University Hospital in Liverpool. During this visit, several straightforward tests will be carried out to check your nerves and overall health. These tests include blood and urine samples, special tests to see how well your nerves are working (called nerve conduction studies), tests to check how your heart and blood vessels react to different situations (cardiovascular autonomic reflex tests), and the new eye scans (corneal confocal microscopy and optical coherence microscopy). The study is expected to run from June 2026 to October 2027.

Potential risks and benefits

By taking part, you could contribute to important scientific knowledge that might change how diabetic nerve damage is diagnosed in the future. This could lead to more accurate diagnoses and more effective treatments for patients later on. There are no known risks involved with the procedures in this study, as all tests are non-invasive except for the standard blood tests. All tests will be performed by highly trained clinical staff. You are always free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Aintree University Hospital
Unverified
Liverpool, England

Common questions

What is diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN)?

It's nerve damage that can happen to people with diabetes, often affecting the feet and hands, causing changes in feeling or pain.

What is new about this eye scan?

It's a new device that takes detailed pictures of your eye's nerves without touching your eye, making it more comfortable and quicker than older methods.

Will I get treatment in this study?

No, this study is about testing a new detection method, not providing treatment. However, the information learned could improve future treatments.

Who is paying for this research?

The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) is providing funding to the University of Liverpool.

Where is the study happening?

At the Clinical Sciences Centre at Aintree University Hospital in Liverpool, UK.

How to find out more

Uazman Alam

ualam@liverpool.ac.uk +44 01515295918 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.