Overview
Michael Allingham, MD PhD is a retina fellowship-trained clinician scientist with expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions affecting the retina. Trained in the interpretation of retinal vascular imaging techniques, including video fluorescein angiography (FA) and indocyanine green (ICG) angiography, he specializes in the use of these imaging studies to guide injection and laser-based treatment of disease. His research focuses on using a mouse model of retinal edema to elucidate the role of Müller cell dysfunction in diseases such as diabetic macular edema and retinal vein occlusion. He also studies the use of computer aided image analysis in predicting response to specific treatment modalities in patients with diabetic macular edema. Dr. Allingham’s ultimate goal is to develop new therapies for macular edema and to better utilize ocular image analysis techniques to guide individualized treatment of his patients.
Dr. Allingham attended Duke University where he earned a B.S. in Chemistry with Distinction. He next pursued his M.D./Ph.D. at the nearby University of North Carolina. He earned his Ph.D. in Cell and Developmental Biology in the lab of Keith Burridge, Ph.D., an internationally recognized expert in cell adhesion. As a graduate student, Dr. Allingham studied the role of leukocyte-endothelial adhesive interactions in the endothelial regulation of leukocyte diapedesis. Upon completing his M.D./Ph.D., he returned to Duke for his internship, residency in ophthalmology and fellowship in medical retina before accepting a faculty position in the Duke Eye Center Department of Ophthalmology.
Current Appointments & Affiliations
Recent Publications
Association of Hyperautofluorescence Signals with Geographic Atrophy Progression in the METformin for the MINimization of Geographic Atrophy Progression Trial.
Journal Article Ophthalmol Sci · 2025 PURPOSE: To investigate the association between rim area focal hyperautofluorescence (RAFH) signals and geographic atrophy (GA) growth rates, as well as the impact of oral metformin on the longitudinal change of RAFH. DESIGN: Secondary analysis of a random ... Full text Link to item CiteA Deep-Learning Algorithm to Predict Short-Term Progression to Geographic Atrophy on Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography.
Journal Article JAMA Ophthalmol · November 1, 2023 IMPORTANCE: The identification of patients at risk of progressing from intermediate age-related macular degeneration (iAMD) to geographic atrophy (GA) is essential for clinical trials aimed at preventing disease progression. DeepGAze is a fully automated a ... Full text Link to item CiteAn Algorithmic Approach to DME: With a solid framework, clinicians can treat patients efficiently and effectively
Journal Article Retina Today · September 1, 2023 CiteRecent Grants
Muller glial dysfunction in retinal edema
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2016 - 2020Computer Aided Classification of Diabetic Macular Edema
ResearchCollaborator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2012 - 2018NEI Mentored Clinical Scientist Development Program Award (K12)
ResearchScholar · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2004 - 2016View All Grants