Improving vision in adults with macular degeneration using brain stimulation
Improving Vision in Adults With Macular Degeneration, Study 2: The Effect of Concurrent Perceptual Learning and Brain Stimulation
This study is testing whether a new brain stimulation technique can help adults with macular degeneration improve their reading skills and vision.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Waterloo Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Waterloo, Ontario and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT04762368 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study tests the effectiveness of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (a-tDCS) combined with perceptual learning to enhance reading abilities in individuals with age-related or juvenile macular degeneration. Participants will undergo six training sessions where they will either receive active brain stimulation or a placebo while performing reading tasks on a computer. The study aims to measure improvements in verbal reading accuracy and visual acuity before and after the training. It will be conducted at the University of Waterloo in Canada and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University in Hong Kong.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with a diagnosis of age-related or juvenile macular degeneration and sufficient visual acuity to read words on a computer screen.
Not a fit: Patients with additional ocular diseases, severe hearing impairment, or contraindications for brain stimulation may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve reading abilities and overall quality of life for patients with macular degeneration.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of brain stimulation in visual rehabilitation is an emerging field, similar studies have shown promising results, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Diagnosis of AMD (age 60+) or JMD (current age 18+). 2. Visual acuity (VA); between 6/9-6/96 in the better eye 3. Best-corrected near visual acuity of 4.0M at 40 cm or better in the better eye 4. Stable vision in previous 3 months (patient report) 5. Central vision loss Exclusion Criteria: 1. Diagnosed dementia. 2. Not fluent in reading English (Waterloo) or Chinese characters (Hong Kong). 3. Any ocular surgery (including anti-vegF injections) within the duration of the study, except for: A. Chronic and continuous injections for at least 1 year. B. Injections stopped at least 2 months before participation. C. Injections in the untested eye 4. Ocular pathology other than JMD or AMD that can significantly reduce central vision. Example: mild cataract of grade 2 or below is acceptable 5. Severe hearing impairment. 6. Contraindications for brain stimulation
Where this trial is running
Waterloo, Ontario and 1 other locations
- University of Waterloo — Waterloo, Ontario, Canada (Recruiting)
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University — Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Ben Thompson, PhD — University of Waterloo
- Study coordinator: Ben Thompson, PhD
- Email: ben.thompson@uwaterloo.ca
- Phone: 15198884567
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.