RecruitingNot Applicable

Factors in Learning And Plasticity: Macular Degeneration

United States60 participantsStarted 2022-11-01

Plain-language summary

A greater understanding of plasticity after central vision loss can inform new therapies for treating low vision and has the potential to benefit millions of individuals suffering from low vision. The treatment of low vision is particularly relevant to the mission of the NEI to support research on visual disorders, mechanisms of visual function, and preservation of sight. The comparison of different training and outcome factors is in line with the NIMH RDOC framework and studies in an aging population are consistent with the mission of the NIA.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 89 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Aged 18-89 * Severely impaired vision in both eyes (20/100 or worse) * diagnosis of Macular Degeneration by an Ophthalmologist * Light sensitivity in the macular retina that is at least 10 dB units worse than in peripheral regions, as demonstrated by a scanning laser ophthalmoscope (MAIA) * Medical record review indicating this level of disease severity has been present for at least 2 years * Reside within 50 miles of study site Exclusion Criteria: * Pacemaker or any ferromagnetic metal implanted in their body * Metal of any type implanted in their head (limited dental work is acceptable) * Claustrophobia * Being hearing-impaired * Weight over 300 pounds * Maximum body girth over 60 inches * Previous serious head injury * Presence of hallucinations or delusions * Excessive old, or colorful tattoos, especially near the head * Pregnancy * Braces/permanent retainer

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Change from Baseline Radial Bias from the Crowding Task after completion of Training at approximately 7 weeks

Timeframe: Baseline and Within 3 weeks of training completion, training is complete 7 weeks from baseline on average

Change from Baseline Saccadic Precision after Completion of Training at approximately 7 weeks

Timeframe: Baseline and Within 3 weeks of training completion, training is complete 7 weeks from baseline on average

Change from Baseline Fixation Stability after Completion of Training at approximately 7 weeks

Timeframe: Baseline and Within 3 weeks of training completion, training is complete 7 weeks from baseline on average

Trial details

NCT IDNCT05454124

SponsorUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2026-11

Contact for this trial

Rachel A Chua, MS

205-410-4041 r2chel@uab.edu

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Central Visual Impairment trials

Plain-language summary

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 89 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

What they're measuring

Change from Baseline Radial Bias from the Crowding Task after completion of Training at approximately 7 weeks

Timeframe: Baseline and Within 3 weeks of training completion, training is complete 7 weeks from baseline on average

Change from Baseline Saccadic Precision after Completion of Training at approximately 7 weeks

Timeframe: Baseline and Within 3 weeks of training completion, training is complete 7 weeks from baseline on average

Change from Baseline Fixation Stability after Completion of Training at approximately 7 weeks

Timeframe: Baseline and Within 3 weeks of training completion, training is complete 7 weeks from baseline on average