Improving vision in adults with macular degeneration using brain stimulation

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 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.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

• 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

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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.