New methods to diagnose and monitor light sensitivity

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 project aims to create a new framework for diagnosing and monitoring light sensitivity and headaches through objective measurements. It utilizes advanced techniques such as videography, pupil response assessments, retinal electrical responses, and autonomic nerve responses to light. Patients' responses will be recorded using surface electrodes and portable devices, allowing for real-time monitoring of their physiological reactions. The goal is to better understand the mechanisms behind light sensitivity and improve treatment strategies for conditions like traumatic brain injury and migraines.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Healthy Control subjects:

Inclusion Criteria

* Healthy individuals with normal eye exam in the previous year
* Age 18-80

Exclusion Criteria

* History of eye or systemic disorder that affect the retina, optic nerve, visual pathway, or pupil defect: including glaucoma, optic neuropathy, or retinal disease, diabetes and/or hypertension that are not well controlled, history of head trauma, concussion, or TBI, history of cervical or spinal injury/surgery
* Medications or eyedrops that would confound measuring the pupil light reflex and EMG: including topical autonomic drugs that could influence pupil size, ocular pharmacologic agents, sedative agents (e.g. benzodiazepines or barbiturates), opioid narcotics
* Must not be light sensitive or get migraine headaches

TBI patients without photosensitivity or headache:

Inclusion Criteria

* Age 18-80
* Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Exclusion Criteria

* History of eye or systemic disorder that affect the retina, optic nerve, visual pathway, or pupil defect: including glaucoma, optic neuropathy, or retinal disease, diabetes and/or hypertension that are not well controlled
* Medications or eyedrops that would confound measuring the pupil light reflex and EMG: including topical autonomic drugs that could influence pupil size, ocular pharmacologic agents, sedative agents (e.g. benzodiazepines or barbiturates), opioid narcotics - Must not be light sensitive or get migraine headaches (use headache criteria from Ana if we are including headaches)

Patients with photosensitivity from non-TBI causes Inclusion Criteria

* Age 18-80
* Photosensitivity: determined by patient reporting symptoms and there may or may not be an identified cause associated with their light sensitivity (i.e. history of uveitis, childhood exotropia, meningitis, radiation, tumor)

Exclusion Criteria

* History of eye or systemic disorder that affect the retina, optic nerve, visual pathway, or pupil defect: including glaucoma, optic neuropathy, or retinal disease, diabetes and/or hypertension that are not well controlled, history of head trauma, concussion, or TBI, history of cervical or spinal injury/surgery
* Medications or eyedrops that would confound measuring the pupil light reflex and EMG: including topical autonomic drugs that could influence pupil size, ocular pharmacologic agents, sedative agents (e.g. benzodiazepines or barbiturates), opioid narcotics

TBI patients with photosensitivity Inclusion Criteria

* Age 18-80
* Photosensitivity: determined by patient reporting symptoms and cause associated with their light sensitivity is post TBI
* TBI

Exclusion Criteria

\- History of eye or systemic disorder that affect the retina, optic nerve, visual pathway, or pupil defect: including glaucoma, optic neuropathy, or retinal disease, diabetes and/or hypertension that are not well controlled

Where it's running

• University of Iowa Health Care
  Iowa City, Iowa, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Julie Nellis, BSN
• Email: julie-nellis@uiowa.edu
• Phone: 319-356-2780

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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.