Electro-acupuncture + TES for Retinitis Pigmentosa
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial is testing a treatment called transcorneal electrical stimulation for people with retinitis pigmentosa, a condition that leads to gradual vision loss. The treatment uses small electrical currents applied to the eye to improve blood flow and stimulate retinal cells, which may help slow down vision loss. Transcorneal electrical stimulation has shown several improvements in visual function in previous studies and is currently offered by several companies.
Do I need to stop taking my current medications for the trial?
The trial protocol does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but it mentions that systemic medications that may affect the treatment response could be a concern. It's best to discuss your specific medications with the trial team.
Is Electro-acupuncture + TES safe for humans?
How is the Electro-acupuncture + TES treatment for retinitis pigmentosa different from other treatments?
This treatment is unique because it combines electro-acupuncture, which uses small electrical currents at acupuncture points, with transcorneal electrical stimulation (TES), a novel approach that applies electrical currents to the eye to potentially improve retinal function. Unlike other treatments, TES specifically targets the eye's electrical activity, which may help slow the progression of retinitis pigmentosa.26789
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Electro-acupuncture + TES for Retinitis Pigmentosa?
Who Is on the Research Team?
Kenneth R Seger, OD, MSc
Principal Investigator
Faculty
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults over 18 with retinitis pigmentosa, having some vision left (better than 20/400 in one eye) and a significant visual field loss. Participants must be able to consent and commit to study visits for about 4-6 months. Exclusions include unstable mental health, prior treatments like acupuncture or TES for RP, severe cognitive impairments, pacemakers, pregnancy, extreme vision loss that prevents test participation, other ocular diseases or health issues affecting treatment response.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive either electro-acupuncture or transcorneal electrical stimulation, with sessions occurring over a 2-week period
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in vision and ocular health at multiple intervals post-treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Electro-acupuncture
- Transcorneal Electrical Stimulation
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Nova Southeastern University
Lead Sponsor
National Eye Institute (NEI)
Collaborator