Transcorneal electrical stimulation to slow geographic atrophy

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 multicenter, randomized, double-masked, sham-controlled pilot compares two types of transcorneal electrical stimulation (rectangular vs repetitive ramp) against a placebo over one year. Participants are randomly assigned 1:1:1, treat one eye, receive training, and then apply a 30-minute session at home once a week for 12 months. The trial focuses on safety and on whether TES can slow progression of visual field loss by reducing retinal inflammation, promoting neuroprotection, and improving retinal blood flow—mechanisms supported by preclinical work. Clinical outcomes and imaging are collected at study visits at participating German ophthalmology centers.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion criteria:

* Willing and able to understand the study and provide informed consent
* 60 years of age or older
* Diagnosis of geographic atrophy due to age-related macular degeneration confirmed by imaging
* The affected area in the eye must be within a defined size range and clearly visible on imaging
* Eye conditions must allow for good-quality images and reliable measurements
* Must have a minimum level of visual acuity
* Women of childbearing potential must have a negative pregnancy test, and must agree to use effective contraception during the study (women who are postmenopausal or surgically sterile are not subject to pregnancy-related requirements)

Exclusion criteria:

* History or presence of certain eye conditions (e.g. macular edema, abnormal blood vessel growth or related conditions, retinal detachment, blood vessel blockage) in the study eye
* Previous major eye surgeries (including retinal surgery or vitrectomy)
* Previous laser treatment or injections in the study eye
* Any other eye condition that could interfere with vision tests, imaging or study results
* Planned eye surgery during the study period
* Recent treatment with investigational drugs for geographic atrophy
* Presence of active medical implants
* Serious or uncontrolled systemic diseases, history of epilepsy or poor general health or conditions affecting the ability to follow study procedures
* Participation in another clinical study recently or at the same time
* Breastfeeding, relevant allergies (e.g. to silver), or heavy smoking

Where it's running

• Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf
  Hamburg, Germany Recruiting
• Department of Ophthalmology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich
  München, Germany Recruiting
• Department of Ophthalmology, Klinikum Stuttgart
  Stuttgart, Germany Recruiting
• Centre for Ophthalmology, University Hospital Tuebingen
  Tübingen, Germany Recruiting
• Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Ulm
  Ulm, Germany Not yet recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Florian Gekeler, Prof. Dr. — Department of Ophthalmology, Klinikum Stuttgart, Germany
• Study coordinator: Ruth Schippert, PhD
• Email: studies@okuvision.de
• Phone: +49 7121 15935

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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• APL-3007 combined with Syfovre (pegcetacoplan) for geographic atrophy from age-related macular degeneration

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• ADX-038 for geographic atrophy due to age-related macular degeneration

  This phase 2 study will test whether ADX-038 can slow geographic atrophy in people with age-related macular degeneration compared with placebo while monitoring safety and drug levels.

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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.