Improving cognitive function in the elderly through vision correction
Cognitive Level Enhancement Through Vision Exams and Refraction: a Randomized Controlled Trial to Assess Impact of Near and Distance Spectacles on Reducing Rates of Cognitive Decline With Aging in Community Dwelling Older People in India
This study is testing whether giving free glasses to older adults in Hyderabad can help improve their thinking skills and overall quality of life.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 820 (estimated) |
| Ages | 60 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Queen's University, Belfast Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hyderabad, Telangana) |
| Trial ID | NCT05458323 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to assess the impact of providing free near and distance glasses to elderly residents in Hyderabad, India, who have uncorrected refractive errors. It combines a randomized controlled trial with qualitative research to evaluate changes in quality of life, cognitive function, and social interactions over a period of 36 months. The study also seeks to understand the cultural context and lived experiences of older adults with vision impairment in the region. The primary outcome will be measured through cognitive assessments to determine the effectiveness of the intervention.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are community-dwelling elderly individuals aged 60 years and older with uncorrected refractive errors and normal baseline cognition.
Not a fit: Patients with severe cognitive impairment, non-refractive causes of vision impairment, or significant mobility issues may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly enhance the quality of life and cognitive health of elderly individuals with vision impairment.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results in improving cognitive function through vision correction, although this specific approach in a low-resource setting is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria 1. Community dwelling 2. Residency a. Participants must plan to reside in the local area for the study duration 3. Presenting vision in the better eye due to uncorrected refractive error 1. Impaired distance vision less than 6/18 2. Near vision less than N6 at 40 cm 4. Willingness 1. to participate 2. to be randomized 3. to adhere to the protocol Exclusion criteria 1. Impaired baseline cognition a. HMSE score less than or equal to 18 2. Non-refractive causes of vision impairment 3. Severely impaired mobility 1. immobile 2. bedridden 3. wheelchair 4. using walker 4. Severe medical illness likely to limit the life span 1. Cancer 2. Heart disease 3. Stroke 4. HIV or AIDS 5. Chronic lung disease 6. Kidney disease 5. Hearing loss assessment 1. self-reported hearing impairment 2. inability to hear 3. fail in whisper test hearing screening(unable to repeat three out of six words)
Where this trial is running
Hyderabad, Telangana
- L V Prasad Eye Institute — Hyderabad, Telangana, India (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Nathan G Congdon, MD, MPH — Queen's University, Belfast
- Study coordinator: Nathan G Congdon, MD, MPH
- Email: n.congdon@qub.ac.uk
- Phone: +44(0)289097
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.