Eye problems in dominant spinocerebellar ataxias

Ophthalmological Disorders in Dominant Spinal-cerebellar Ataxias

NA · University Hospital, Montpellier · NCT07019558

This project tests whether adults with SCA1, SCA2, SCA3, or SCA27B have retinal or optic nerve changes by doing neurological and eye exams.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Montpellier (other)
Locations1 site (Montpellier, Hérault)
Trial IDNCT07019558 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This is a single-center, cross-sectional study enrolling adults with genetically confirmed dominant spinocerebellar ataxias to characterize ophthalmological involvement. Participants (symptomatic or presymptomatic, ages 18–80) undergo standardized neurological and detailed eye examinations to look for retinal or optic nerve abnormalities. People with other ocular or systemic conditions that would confound retinal assessment or with very severe neurological disability are excluded. The work is conducted at CHU Montpellier and aims to define the prevalence and features of visual system involvement across SCA genotypes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults 18–80 with genetically confirmed pathogenic expansions (ATXN1 ≥39 CAG, ATXN2 ≥33 CAG, ATXN3 ≥45 CAG, or FGF14 >250 GAA) who are symptomatic or presymptomatic are eligible.

Not a fit: Patients with other eye or systemic diseases that affect the retina or visual acuity (for example severe cataract, decompensated diabetes), visual acuity below 20/40, intraocular pressure >20 mmHg, cup-to-disc ratio >0.5, severe refractive errors, or extremely severe neurological impairment preventing eye exams are unlikely to benefit from participation.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could enable earlier detection and monitoring of retinal or optic nerve damage in people with SCA, informing clinical care and future trials.

How similar studies have performed: Previous observational reports have noted retinal and optic nerve abnormalities in SCA1–3, but comprehensive cross-sectional data across these genotypes and SCA27B remain limited.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age between 18 and 80,
* Presence of pathological expansion in ATXN1 (\> or equal to 39 CAG), ATXN2 (\> or equal to 33 CAG) or ATXN3 (\> or equal to 45 CAG) genes, responsible respectively for SCA1, SCA2 or SCA3 or a pathological expansion (\>250 GAA) in the FGF14 gene responsible for SCA27B pathology,
* Sujet symptomatic (SARA greater than or equal to 4) or presymptomatic (SARA \< 4).

Exclusion Criteria:

* Study-specific criteria:

  * Subjects with systemic or ophthalmological disease that could affect the retina, impair fundus examination (severe cataract, severe/decompensated diabetes), or cause visual acuity below 20/40, intraocular pressure \> 20 mmHg, "cup to disc" ratio \> 0. 5, or severe refractive errors
  * Subjects with extremely severe neurological impairment, with a significant impact on the ability to perform most ophthalmological examinations; for example in patients for whom sitting, even with back support and cannot be maintained. The possibility of including subjects with a severe form will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, according to the opinion of the principal investigator and the ophthalmologist.
* General exclusion criteria relating to regulations:

  * Failure to obtain consent (adults, non-emancipated minors, persons not in a position to give consent, research carried out in emergency situations, etc.),
  * Participants who have reached the maximum amount of compensation for their participation inresearch,
  * Non-affiliation with a social security scheme,
  * Persons placed under court protection,
  * Person taking part in research.

Where this trial is running

Montpellier, Hérault

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Spinocerebellar Ataxia, spinocerebellar ataxias, ophtalmology, neurology

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.