Eggs and Age-related Macular Degeneration (EggsAMD) Study.
United States19 participantsStarted 2025-06-18
Plain-language summary
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the primary cause of vision loss in people over the age of 55. Currently, no cure is available for individuals suffering from AMD. The purpose of this pilot study is to evaluate the feasibility of implementing a 5-month egg intervention in adults with intermediate AMD. The objective of this research study is to evaluate the feasibility of a whole egg (2 or 4 per day) intervention in older adults with intermediate AMD. The secondary objective of this research is to determine descriptive statistics, change over time and estimate effect sizes for retinal sensitivity, and vision, cognition and physical function. By completing these research objectives, the researchers hope to gain preliminary evidence in support of a larger trial that will assess the impact of egg consumption on eye health in adults with AMD.
Who can participate
Age range
55 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:
* Diagnosed with intermediate dry AMD as noted in their medical record (defined as having multiple medium drusen, at least one large druse (\>125 μm or the approximate size of a vessel coming off the optic nerve), and/or non-center involving geographic atrophy) who are BCVA stable from prior exam within 6 months - defined by change of \< 10 letters on EDTRS chart (BCVA within 10 letters within past 6 months)
* 55 years of age and older
* Willing to limit consumption of eggs for one month prior to beginning the study intervention
* Willing to follow diet protocol
* Body Mass Index (22.0 - 39.9 kg/m2)
* Access to refrigeration
* Access to reliable transportation
Exclusion Criteria:
* Presence of retinal pathology such as central geographic atrophy, hemorrhage or retinal fluid and other macular pathology other than AMD
* Presence of dense cataracts
* Presence of glaucoma
* Previous retinal laser or surgical therapy that has impacted the integrity of the retina
* Any other ocular condition requiring long-term therapy or surgery during the study period
* Participant has photographically significant corneal or media opacities in either eye that would preclude adequate ophthalmic imaging and functional testing
* Diagnosis of nystagmus that will interfere with testing
* Egg allergy
* Uncontrolled hyperlipidemia (cholesterol \>240 mg/dL in the last 12 months, unless under active medication management to achieve \<240 mg/dL)
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
1
Adherence rate to consuming four whole eggs per day
Timeframe: From intervention start to the end of treatment at 5 months.