Visual retraining after stroke
Effect of Visual Retraining on Visual Loss Following Cortical Damage
We will try an intensive home-based visual retraining program for adults with cortical vision loss after stroke to see if it improves visual perception and everyday use of vision.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Ages | 21 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Rochester Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Rochester, New York) |
| Trial ID | NCT06121219 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This project collects clinical test and psychophysics data to quantify how damage to visual cortex changes the remaining visual system, perception, spatial awareness, and brain function. Participants with unilateral primary visual cortex damage and reliable visual field defects will perform intensive visual training targeted to the blind field, using their home computer over several months. The team will measure changes in visual processing with perimetry and other behavioral tests and examine how any improvements translate to real-world visual use. The work is conducted at the University of Rochester with baseline and follow-up visits combined with remote training sessions.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 21–80 with unilateral stroke-related damage to primary visual cortex, reliable visual field defects large enough to enclose a 5° stimulus, ability to maintain fixation, and a home computer with internet access are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with eye disease that reduces acuity (worse than 20/40), inability to fixate reliably, significant cognitive impairment, or no home computer/internet access are unlikely to benefit from this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the intervention could improve residual vision and help people use their remaining sight more effectively in daily activities.
How similar studies have performed: Prior small and pilot studies of targeted visual training after cortical injury have shown some patients can regain detection near blind-field borders, but results have been mixed and are not universally established.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Cortically Blind Subjects Inclusion: * Between 21 and 80 years of age * Residents of the United States or Canada * Unilateral stroke or stroke-like damage to primary visual cortex or its immediate afferent white matter sustained within the specified age range (21-75 years) * Reliable visual field defects in both eyes as measured by Humphrey, MAIA, Goldmann, and/or equivalent perimetry, large enough to enclose a 5-deg diameter visual stimulus. * Able to fixate on visual targets reliably for 1000ms * Must have a home computer (desktop or laptop) and reliable internet access * Willing, able, and competent to provide informed consent * Normal cognitive abilities, able to understand written and oral instructions in English, and competent and responsible adults in order to complete the visual training at home, independently, as instructed, for several months. Exclusion: * Past or present eye disease interfering with visual acuity * BCVA worse than 20/40 in either eye * Damage to the dorsal Lateral Geniculate Nucleus * Diffuse whole brain degenerative processes * History of traumatic brain injury * Any other brain damage deemed by study staff to potentially interfere with training ability or outcome measures * Documented history of drug/alcohol abuse * Currently taking neuroactive medications which would impact training, as determined by PI * Presence of cognitive or seizure disorders * One-sided attentional neglect * Subjects who lack the competence or are otherwise unable to perform the visual training exercises as directed. Control Subjects (n = 50) Inclusion: * Between 21 and 80 years of age * Report no history of neurological disorder. * Competent and responsible, as determined by the Principal Investigator. Exclusion: * Presence of damage to the visual system * Presence of an active disease process involving their nervous system. * Cognitive or seizure disorders * Best corrected visual acuity worse than 20/40 in either eye * Presence of vision field loss from ocular disease or disorder
Where this trial is running
Rochester, New York
- University of Rochester Medical Center — Rochester, New York, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Evan Burr
- Email: Evan_Burr@urmc.rochester.edu
- Phone: 585-275-5234
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.