# Quantification and Classification of Aqueous and Vitreous Inflammation in Uveitis Using Deep Learning Analysis of Ultrahigh-Resolution OCT

> **NIH NIH R21** · OREGON HEALTH & SCIENCE UNIVERSITY · 2024 · $247,800

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
Uveitis is a common cause of blindness in the United States. The specific cause of uveitis is often unknown,
making it difficult to implement targeted testing and treatment. By harnessing the power of artificial intelligence
(AI) and ultrahigh-resolution optical coherence tomography (OCT), we will develop novel tools to help diagnose
and classify uveitis by characterizing the distribution and type of inflammatory response within the eye. OCT
will be used to image multiple areas in the aqueous and vitreous media of the eye and count the density of
inflammatory cells. AI analysis will further classify cell types to aid in differential diagnosis. Protein levels in the
media will be estimated based on the intensity of background scattering. Together, the cell count and protein
level can be used to monitor the patient’s disease severity and response to treatment. The precision of OCT is
ideal for clinical trials, where precise outcome measures can accelerate drug development and save costs. To
further these goals, specific aims of the project are:
 (1) Develop ultrahigh-resolution OCT for imaging the anterior and vitreous media of the eye.
 (2) Quantify and classify inflammation in the aqueous and vitreous humor of uveitis patients. We will
 develop OCT-based biomarkers to aid in the differential diagnosis of uveitis and assessment of
 disease severity.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10952558
- **Project number:** 1R21EY036563-01
- **Recipient organization:** OREGON HEALTH & SCIENCE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Yan Li
- **Activity code:** R21 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $247,800
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2024-09-01 → 2026-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10952558

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10952558, Quantification and Classification of Aqueous and Vitreous Inflammation in Uveitis Using Deep Learning Analysis of Ultrahigh-Resolution OCT (1R21EY036563-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10952558. Licensed CC0.

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