60 Participants Needed

Vision Training for Age-Related Macular Degeneration

(FLAP Trial)

KV
RC
RA
KM
Overseen ByKristina M Visscher, Ph.D.
Age: 18+
Sex: Any
Trial Phase: Academic
Sponsor: University of Alabama at Birmingham
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

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.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment for Vision Training for Age-Related Macular Degeneration?

Research shows that low vision rehabilitation, which includes training with magnifying aids, can improve reading speed, emotional well-being, and quality of life for people with age-related macular degeneration.12345

Is vision training for age-related macular degeneration safe?

The studies reviewed do not specifically address the safety of vision training for age-related macular degeneration, but they do not report any safety concerns or adverse effects related to the training methods used.26789

How does the Vision Training treatment for Age-Related Macular Degeneration differ from other treatments?

The Vision Training treatment for Age-Related Macular Degeneration is unique because it focuses on improving visual skills through exercises like eye-movement training and biofeedback, rather than relying solely on magnification aids or medications. This approach aims to enhance reading speed, visual acuity, and quality of life by training the brain to use healthier parts of the retina more effectively.28101112

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for adults aged 18-89 with severe vision impairment (20/100 or worse) due to Macular Degeneration, confirmed by an ophthalmologist. Participants must have had this condition for at least two years and live within 50 miles of the study site. Those with certain body measurements, metal implants, claustrophobia, hearing impairments, significant head injuries, mental health conditions like hallucinations/delusions, or specific tattoos near the head cannot join.

Inclusion Criteria

My medical records show my condition has been severe for at least 2 years.
Reside within 50 miles of study site
I am between 18 and 89 years old.
See 3 more

Exclusion Criteria

You weigh more than 300 pounds.
You have had a severe head injury in the past.
You have too many, or very colorful tattoos, especially near your head.
See 8 more

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Training

Participants undergo perceptual learning training focusing on visual sensitivity, spatial integration, and attention and eye-movements.

7 weeks
Weekly sessions

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in visual processing and brain plasticity after training completion.

3 weeks
2 visits (in-person)

Treatment Details

Interventions

  • Combination training
  • Training visual sensitivity
Trial OverviewThe study explores how different training methods can improve visual sensitivity in people suffering from low vision caused by Macular Degeneration. It aims to understand how the brain adapts and learns despite central vision loss which could lead to new treatments that help preserve sight.
Participant Groups
2Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Group I: Training visual sensitivityExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
A standard Perceptual Learning approach to train early visual processes of discriminating the orientation of Gabor patches presented at threshold- level contrast. Preliminary data, using this method, in normally seeing and MD participants show both feasibility and preliminary evidence that this training gives rise to improvements in acuity.
Group II: Combination trainingExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
In combination training, investigators test the extent to which a combined training gives rise to the joint benefits of each training individually, or integrative benefits potentially surpassing benefits of the individual training alone. The visual sensitivity task will alternate across blocks with the spatial integration task, using the timing of targets and location switches from spatial attention training.

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Alabama at Birmingham

Lead Sponsor

Trials
1,677
Recruited
2,458,000+

University of California, Riverside

Collaborator

Trials
33
Recruited
14,400+

Findings from Research

In a study of 91 older adults (average age 80.1) undergoing low-vision rehabilitation for macular disease, nearly 30% had memory deficits, which significantly impacted their ability to perform near-vision tasks during rehabilitation.
Participants with memory deficits showed a decline in functional abilities, while those with better memory reported improvements, suggesting that a simple memory test could help identify individuals needing additional support in rehabilitation.
Memory deficit associated with worse functional trajectories in older adults in low-vision rehabilitation for macular disease.Whitson, HE., Whitaker, D., Sanders, LL., et al.[2021]
Patients with dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) who received additional reading training (RT) after adapting to magnifying aids showed significant improvements in reading speed and emotional status, indicating enhanced vision rehabilitation.
The study involved 37 participants over 6 weeks, and results demonstrated that RT not only improved reading performance but also contributed to better quality of life and reduced depression, highlighting its potential as a valuable intervention for AMD patients.
Effects of home reading training on reading and quality of life in AMD-a randomized and controlled study.Kaltenegger, K., Kuester, S., Altpeter-Ott, E., et al.[2020]
Age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) is becoming more common in the aging U.S. population, leading to significant vision loss that can affect independence and quality of life.
Low vision rehabilitation techniques, focusing on magnification, contrast, and illumination, are essential for improving visual function and helping individuals regain independence despite ARMD.
Vision rehabilitation of persons with age related macular degeneration.Siemsen, DW., Brown, WL.[2019]

References

Memory deficit associated with worse functional trajectories in older adults in low-vision rehabilitation for macular disease. [2021]
Effects of home reading training on reading and quality of life in AMD-a randomized and controlled study. [2020]
Vision rehabilitation of persons with age related macular degeneration. [2019]
The effectiveness of low-vision rehabilitation in 2 cohorts derived from the veterans affairs Low-Vision Intervention Trial. [2022]
Survey of optometric low vision rehabilitation training methods for the moderately visually impaired. [2015]
Functional Outcomes of the Low Vision Depression Prevention Trial in Age-Related Macular Degeneration. [2018]
Comorbid cognitive impairment and functional trajectories in low vision rehabilitation for macular disease. [2021]
Efficacy of biofeedback rehabilitation based on visual evoked potentials analysis in patients with advanced age-related macular degeneration. [2021]
Is there a standard of care for eccentric viewing training? [2019]
Training to improve reading speed in patients with juvenile macular dystrophy: a randomized study comparing two training methods. [2019]
Rehabilitation of reading skills in patients with age-related macular degeneration. [2019]
12.United Statespubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Eye-movement training for reading in patients with age-related macular degeneration. [2006]