Understanding the role of choriocapillaris in dry macular degeneration

Non Exudative Age-Related Macular Degeneration Imaged With Swept Source Optical Coherence Tomography: The Extension Study

Observational Boston Image Reading Center · NCT04469140

This study is trying to see how the tiny blood vessels in the eye affect the development of dry macular degeneration in older adults.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment450 (estimated)
SexAll
SponsorBoston Image Reading Center Industry-sponsored
Locations5 sites (Los Angeles, California and 4 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04469140 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to investigate the role of the choriocapillaris (CC) in the development and progression of non-exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD). By utilizing SS-OCT imaging, researchers will analyze the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and choroidal microvasculature to explore their inter-dependence. The findings may help establish the loss of CC as a potential anatomical endpoint for future clinical trials targeting AMD. This study is an extension of an ongoing longitudinal study (NCT03688243).

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals diagnosed with non-exudative intermediate AMD or geographic atrophy in one eye and who have completed the BIRC-01 study.

Not a fit: Patients with exudative AMD in both eyes or those with significant confounding ocular conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights that lead to improved endpoints for clinical trials in treating dry macular degeneration.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored similar imaging techniques in AMD, but this specific approach focusing on the choriocapillaris is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Enrollment in and completion of the BIRC-01 study
* Clinic diagnosis of non-exudative iAMD in at least one eye with a drusen volume in the central 3 mm circle centered on the fovea of at least 0.02 mm3 in the absence of GA or nGA as diagnosed with OCT en face imaging OR Clinical diagnosis of early or early/intermediate stage AMD in one eye in the absence of nGA or GA and exudative AMD in the other eye OR clinical diagnosis of GA or nGA secondary to AMD that is at least the size of a large druse (125 microns in diameter; 0.05 mm2) and no greater than 7 disc areas (17 mm2) in at least one eye which has never been treated with anti-VEGF agents
* Willing and able to comply with clinic visits and study-related procedures
* Provide signed informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Subjects with exudative AMD in both eyes
* Eyes with evidence of non-proliferative and proliferative diabetic retinopathy.
* Presence of confounding ocular diagnosis such as myopia \>6D, or other ocular conditions that may cause retinal pigment epithelium atrophy or exudative MNV
* Subjects currently or previously enrolled in other interventional clinical trials in which treatment was administered to the study eye.
* Previous vitrectomy or intravitreal injections in the study eye.
* Axial length measurement ≥ 26 mm.
* Subjects unable to give informed consent.
* Subjects who are unable to comply with imaging guidelines

Where this trial is running

Los Angeles, California and 4 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Dry Macular DegenerationAMDEarly AMDIntermediate AMDGeographic AtrophyNascent GA
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.