Vision Rehabilitation for Macular Degeneration
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests a new eye training method called Eccentric Viewing Training for individuals with macular degeneration, which causes central vision loss and complicates daily activities like reading and recognizing faces. The researchers aim to determine if training both eyes together using visual and sound feedback improves eye movement control. Participants will attend five weekly sessions to practice specific eye movements with feedback, enhancing their use of side vision. Candidates may be suitable if they have stable central vision loss from macular degeneration in both eyes and can see well enough but still struggle with central vision tasks. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research that could enhance daily living for those with macular degeneration.
Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?
The trial protocol does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. However, if you have an unstable ocular disease requiring ongoing treatments, you may not be eligible to participate.
What prior data suggests that this training method is safe for individuals with macular degeneration?
Research has shown that eccentric viewing training is generally safe for people with macular degeneration. Studies on similar methods suggest participants handle the exercises well. No major reports of negative effects have emerged from this type of training. This is important because, while the training might not always improve tasks like reading or focusing, it has not caused harm. For those considering joining a trial, it's reassuring to know that the training is non-invasive and involves using the eyes differently, without introducing anything foreign into the body.12345
Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about the Eccentric Viewing Training for macular degeneration because it offers a novel approach to vision rehabilitation. Unlike traditional treatments that focus on slowing disease progression or using visual aids, this method utilizes binocular oculomotor training to improve eye movement control and visual function. The training incorporates innovative feedback mechanisms, such as scotoma awareness, preferred retinal locus feedback, and auditory cues, which help participants better utilize their remaining vision. This approach could significantly enhance the quality of life for those with macular degeneration by improving their ability to see and navigate their environment more effectively.
What evidence suggests that this training might be effective for macular degeneration?
Research has shown that eccentric viewing training might help people with macular degeneration. Some studies suggest it can improve near vision clarity, reading speed, and daily visual task performance. However, other research found no significant improvements in eye stability, task completion, or reading compared to regular rehabilitation. This trial will specifically evaluate the effectiveness of Feedback Training, which includes eccentric viewing training with multimodal feedback. Despite varied results from previous studies, this approach could still be a useful way to help people adjust to vision loss.16789
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for people with central vision loss in both eyes, such as from macular degeneration or similar conditions. Participants should have noticeable blind spots affecting daily activities like reading and recognizing faces.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive binocular oculomotor training with multimodal feedback over 5 weekly sessions
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in saccadic accuracy, contrast sensitivity, and other visual functions post-training
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Eccentric Viewing Training
Trial Overview
The study tests a new eye training program using real-time visual and sound feedback to help people with central vision loss improve their use of side (peripheral) vision. Training happens over five weekly sessions using both eyes at once.
How Is the Trial Designed?
1
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
All participants will receive binocular oculomotor training with multimodal feedback. Participants will complete 5 weekly training sessions (approximately 60 minutes each) performing saccadic and smooth pursuit eye movement exercises. Training incorporates three types of feedback presented systematically across sessions: (1) scotoma awareness feedback via gaze-contingent black circle overlay representing the blind spot, (2) preferred retinal locus (PRL) feedback via dynamic gaze-contingent ring showing real-time fixation location, and (3) auditory feedback with tone modulation indicating fixation stability, PRL accuracy, and target acquisition. Eye movements are recorded using binocular eye tracking at 2000Hz. Contrast sensitivity is assessed intermittently during training using adaptive Gabor presentations. Outcomes are measured at baseline (Week 0) and post-training (Week 6).
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
New England College of Optometry
Lead Sponsor
H. Eric Cushing Foundation
Collaborator
Northeastern University, Department of Psychology
Collaborator
Citations
Eccentric Viewing Training for Age-Related Macular Disease
Eccentric viewing training did not systematically improve task ability, reading performance, or fixation stability in this study.
Re: Rubin et al: Eccentric Viewing Training for Age-related ...
Neither people with age-related macular degeneration nor those with other pathologies affecting central vision will benefit from this training ...
How effective is eccentric viewing training? A systematic ...
This literature shows that eccentric viewing and steady eye strategy training can improve near visual acuity, reading speed, and performance of activities of ...
4.
glance.eyesoneyecare.com
glance.eyesoneyecare.com/stories/2023-11-24/how-effective-is-eccentric-viewing-training-for-amd/How effective is eccentric viewing training for AMD?
On average, visual acuity (VA) decreased by 0.20 logMAR (mean [SD] = 0.47) and contrast sensitivity decreased by 0.18 log units (SD = 0.34). The ...
5.
openaccess.city.ac.uk
openaccess.city.ac.uk/3815/1/How%20effective%20is%20eccentric%20viewing%20training.pdfHow effective is eccentric viewing training? A systematic ...
Summary: This report highlights the need for further robust research to establish the true potential and cost effectiveness of EV and SES training as a ...
Eccentric Viewing Training for Age-Related Macular Disease
Conclusions: Eccentric viewing training did not systematically improve task ability, reading performance, or fixation stability in this study.
EFFECT:Eccentric Fixation From Enhanced Clinical Training
Diagnosis of age-related macular degeneration; Visual acuity 6/12 to 3/60 inclusive in the better eye; Dense central scotoma confirmed by microperimetry.
8.
researchgate.net
researchgate.net/publication/375124616_Eccentric_viewing_training_for_age-related_macular_disease_Results_of_a_randomised_controlled_trial_the_EFFECT_studyEccentric Viewing Training for Age-Related Macular Disease
Our results do not support the routine use of eccentric viewing training for people with progressing age-related macular disease, although this ...
9.
reviewofoptometry.com
reviewofoptometry.com/article/macular-disease-progress-overwhelms-eccentric-viewing-trainingMacular Disease Progress Overwhelms Eccentric Viewing ...
They found no effect of eccentric viewing training on task ability, reading performance or fixation stability. On average, visual acuity and ...
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