Cross-modal cerebellar stimulation to improve balance and vision in glaucoma

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This randomized, sham-controlled, cross-over trial will compare two cerebellar tES techniques (tDCS and tACS) against sham stimulation in adults over 55 with glaucoma. Participants receive 15 stimulation sessions across 3 blocks, with balance and visual-cognitive assessments before and after each session. The design aims to see if cerebellar stimulation produces longer-term improvements in balance and visual attention beyond short-term effects. The study leverages a within-subject approach to reduce variability and enhance detection of any treatment effects.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age over 55 years old;
* Diagnosis of primary open-angle or normal-tension glaucoma with relative scotoma in both eyes;
* Humphrey Field Analyzer visual field loss (mean deviation of ≤- 6 dB) using the 24-2 testing protocol for both eyes;
* Best-corrected distance visual acuity of 6/12 (equivalent to 0.3 logMAR) or better;
* Cognitive functional score of 22 or above in the Montreal Cognitive Assessment -Hong Kong version (HK-MoCA).
* Only the right-handed population will be recruited (screening by the Edinburgh Handedness Inventory).

Exclusion Criteria:

* Have musculoskeletal disorders or neurological diseases that can affect the balance or nervous system.
* Ocular diseases other than glaucoma (e.g., age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, moderate to severe cataract) or severe hearing impairment (to ensure that participants can hear the instructions clearly during assessments and training)
* Have any contraindications for tES

Where it's running

• Hong Kong Polytechnic University
  Kowloon, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Allen Ming yan Cheong, PhD — The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
• Study coordinator: Yihong PENG, Phd student
• Email: 22117438r@connect.polyu.hk
• Phone: +852-53937970

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.