RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Retinal Imaging for Systemic Inflammation in Endometriosis

This study aims to discover if simple eye scans can help us understand endometriosis better. We know that endometriosis can affect the whole body and often involves some inflammation. By comparing detailed eye images from women with endometriosis to those without, researchers want to see if these scans can show signs of this inflammation. The idea is that if successful, these painless, quick eye checks, similar to those used for diabetic eye screening, could offer a new, non-invasive way to assess endometriosis and keep track of changes over time. It's a way to find out what our eyes might reveal about our overall health related to this condition.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Edinburgh

Enrolment target

100

Start

03 Sep 2025

Estimated completion

01 Sep 2029

Endometriosis

What is this study about?

Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows elsewhere in the body. We now understand that it's not just a problem in the pelvis but can affect the whole body. Many women with endometriosis also have low-level inflammation throughout their body, which is a natural response from the immune system.

The good news is that our eyes offer a unique window into our health. Doctors can look at the tiny blood vessels at the back of the eye clearly and painlessly. Modern eye scans can measure the structure and blood flow in these tiny vessels very quickly, in just a few minutes. The main goal of this study is to see if these eye scans can detect signs of body-wide inflammation linked to endometriosis.

If these eye scans prove useful, they could provide a simple, non-invasive way to check how endometriosis is affecting someone and monitor changes over time. This could potentially lead to better ways to understand and manage the condition in the future.

Key takeaways

The study explores if eye scans can detect inflammation related to endometriosis.
It aims to find a new, non-invasive way to assess and monitor endometriosis.
Participation involves a single, one-hour visit for eye scans.
Eye scans are painless and similar to a routine optician's check-up.
A small blood sample may be requested from participants with endometriosis.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for two groups of women: those who have been diagnosed with endometriosis and healthy volunteers.

For those with endometriosis, you would need to be over 18, assigned female at birth, and have had a surgical or imaging diagnosis of endometriosis within the last five years. You should also be able to understand the study information and be willing to sign a consent form.

For healthy volunteers, you also need to be over 18, assigned female at birth, and able to understand and sign the consent form. Importantly, you should not have a history of endometriosis or ongoing pelvic pain. We cannot include anyone who has recently donated a lot of blood (within the last 4 weeks), has certain eye conditions (like glaucoma, serious cataracts, or macular degeneration), or has had eye surgery. People with diabetes or certain cancers are also not able to take part.

Quick self-check

Are you 18 years old or over?
Were you assigned female at birth?
If you have endometriosis, was it diagnosed surgically or by imaging within the last 5 years?
If you do not have endometriosis, do you have no history of endometriosis or ongoing pelvic pain?
Do you have any serious eye conditions or have you had eye surgery recently?
Do you have diabetes or any known cancer affecting your reproductive organs?

This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll visit the Queen's Medical Research Institute (QMRI) in Edinburgh for about an hour. During this visit, you'll have some eye scans. These are quick, painless, and similar to a routine eye check-up. They include different types of scans that show layers of your retina and tiny blood vessels, all without any injections or dyes. The eye scans themselves will take about 30-40 minutes.

If you have endometriosis, you will also be asked to fill out a short questionnaire about how endometriosis affects your quality of life. We might also ask to take a small blood sample (up to 40ml, which is less than a standard blood donation) to check for inflammation markers, either straight away or possibly in the future with your permission. Any leftover blood samples might be stored securely for future related research. Healthy volunteers will only need to make one visit.

For those with endometriosis, you might be invited for follow-up visits after undergoing a treatment, such as 3-6 months after surgery or starting new hormone therapy, or a few weeks after finishing another endometriosis trial. This is to see how the eye scans might change after treatment.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study involves very low risks. The eye scans are painless and safe, similar to what you might experience at an optician. Giving a blood sample carries the usual small risks, such as a slight bruise or feeling a little faint. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and it will not affect your medical care. While there's no direct personal benefit from this study, your participation could help researchers gain a better understanding of endometriosis and body-wide inflammation, potentially leading to improved ways to monitor and help other women with the condition in the future.

Locations (1)

University of Edinburgh
Edinburgh, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is the purpose of this study?

We want to see if detailed eye scans can show signs of inflammation in the body related to endometriosis, which could help us understand and monitor the condition better.

Are the eye scans safe and painful?

The eye scans are completely safe, painless, and similar to a routine eye check-up you might receive at an optician.

How long will my visit take?

The entire visit is expected to last about one hour, with the eye-scanning part taking 30-40 minutes.

Do I have to give a blood sample?

If you have endometriosis, we may ask for a small blood sample (up to 40ml) to check for inflammation markers. This will only be done with your consent.

What happens if I decide to withdraw from the study?

You can withdraw at any time without giving a reason, and it will not affect your medical care.

How to find out more

Kexin Dong

K.Dong-2@sms.ed.ac.uk +447301394870 Official trial record

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