RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT05874258

Glaucoma Rehabilitation Using ElectricAI Transcranial Stimulation (GREAT) - Randomized Controlled Trial Using Combined Perceptual Learning and Transcranial Electrical Stimulation for Vision Enhancement

Improving Vision and Quality of Life in Patients With Glaucoma Using Non-invasive Brain Stimulation and Perceptual Learning: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Sponsor

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Enrollment

144 participants

Start Date

May 15, 2023

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Glaucoma

Summary

Glaucoma is a complex disease that can result in progressive vision loss. It is the second leading cause of blindness, accounting for 23% of permanent blindness in Hong Kong. There are no treatments that restore vision lost to glaucoma. However, recent studies have shown that vision can be improved by perceptual learning (PL) and transcranial electrical stimulation (tES). This study will examine the effect of perceptual learning and tES on improving quality of life, visual function and functional performance in patients with peripheral field loss due to glaucoma. It is phase 2 of Glaucoma Rehabilitation Using ElectricAI Transcranial Stimulation (GREAT) project.

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 YearsMax Age: 80 Years

Inclusion Criteria6

Age range from 18 to 80 years;
Diagnosis of primary open angle or normal tension glaucoma with relative scotoma in both eyes;
A relative scotoma defined as a Humphrey Field Analyser (HFA) threshold perimetry loss (mean deviation of -6dB) within the central 24 degree of the visual field for at least one eye;
Best-corrected distance visual acuity of 6/12 or better (equivalent to 0.3 logMAR acuity or better to confirm that participant's central vision is preserved).
Stable vision and visual field loss for at least 3 months;
With a cognitive functional score of 22 or above in the Montreal Cognitive Assessment - Hong Kong version (HK-MoCA) (to confirm participant's intact cognitive function).

Exclusion Criteria5

Ocular diseases other than glaucoma (e.g. age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, moderate to severe cataract) or severe hearing impairment (to ensure that participant can hear the instructions clearly during assessments and training);
Severe medical problems (e.g. stroke, Parkinson's disease) or self-reported neurological (e.g. brain surgery, brain tumor, peripheral neuropathy), or cognitive disorders (e.g. diagnosed dementia or cognitive impairment);
Self-reported vestibular or cerebellar dysfunction, history of vertigo;
Using any medications for any neurological conditions or psychiatric drugs (e.g. sedative, hypnotic) that might interfere motor control;
Contraindications for non-invasive brain stimulation.