Improving vision in glaucoma patients using electrical stimulation and learning techniques

Improving Vision and Quality of Life in Patients With Glaucoma Using Non-invasive Brain Stimulation and Perceptual Learning: A Randomized Clinical Trial

This study is testing if combining brain stimulation with special learning techniques can help improve vision in people with glaucoma.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 144 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 80 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (other)
• Locations: 1 site (Hong Kong)
• Trial ID: NCT05874258 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effects of perceptual learning and transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) on enhancing visual function in patients with glaucoma. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: receiving either real or sham perceptual learning combined with either real or sham tES. The study involves a series of assessments and interventions over multiple visits to evaluate improvements in visual quality and functional performance. The goal is to determine if these combined approaches can effectively enhance vision in individuals suffering from peripheral field loss due to glaucoma.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 80 diagnosed with primary open angle or normal tension glaucoma and experiencing specific visual field loss.

Not a fit: Patients with other ocular diseases or severe cognitive impairments may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to new methods for improving vision and quality of life for glaucoma patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in using perceptual learning and electrical stimulation for vision enhancement, suggesting potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age range from 18 to 80 years;
* Diagnosis of primary open angle or normal tension glaucoma with relative scotoma in both eyes;
* A relative scotoma defined as a Humphrey Field Analyser (HFA) threshold perimetry loss (mean deviation of -6dB) within the central 24 degree of the visual field for at least one eye;
* Best-corrected distance visual acuity of 6/12 or better (equivalent to 0.3 logMAR acuity or better to confirm that participant's central vision is preserved).
* Stable vision and visual field loss for at least 3 months;
* With a cognitive functional score of 22 or above in the Montreal Cognitive Assessment - Hong Kong version (HK-MoCA) (to confirm participant's intact cognitive function).

Exclusion Criteria:

* Ocular diseases other than glaucoma (e.g. age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, moderate to severe cataract) or severe hearing impairment (to ensure that participant can hear the instructions clearly during assessments and training);
* Severe medical problems (e.g. stroke, Parkinson's disease) or self-reported neurological (e.g. brain surgery, brain tumor, peripheral neuropathy), or cognitive disorders (e.g. diagnosed dementia or cognitive impairment);
* Self-reported vestibular or cerebellar dysfunction, history of vertigo;
* Using any medications for any neurological conditions or psychiatric drugs (e.g. sedative, hypnotic) that might interfere motor control;
* Contraindications for non-invasive brain stimulation.

Where this trial is running

Hong Kong

• The Hong Kong Polytechnic University — Hong Kong, Hong Kong (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Allen Cheong, PhD

Conditions: Glaucoma, glaucoma, transcranial direct current stimulation, perceptual learning