Optimizing Low Vision Rehabilitation in Emotionally Distressed Patients With Inherited Retinal Diseases
University of Michigan
180 participants
Jan 13, 2025
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
The purpose of this study is to understand if combining Low Vision Rehabilitation (LVR) with Emotional Regulation Therapy (ERT) can help people with inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) that experience emotional distress related to participants' vision loss. The study team hypothesize that treatment with LVR will produce measurable functional gains and that these effects will be enhanced by ERT-linked improvement among the subgroup of IRD patients with elevated vision-related anxiety.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria6
- Diagnosed with vision impairment with IRD etiology
- Must have had a clinical exam with an IRD specialist within the three months of assignment to Arm
- Have had a Goldmann visual field that was tested with III-4e isopter within the last year
- Have a disability greater than zero theta in any of the domains of Michigan Retinal Dystrophy Questionnaire (MRDQ)
- Have an indication from the IRD specialist that the ocular condition will not deteriorate over the next 1- year
- Able to participate in 10 weeks of ERT sessions while being physically located in Michigan (these will take place in the first 10 months of the study)
Exclusion Criteria6
- Having other ocular comorbidities including those associated with an IRD such as control of cystoid macular edema (CME)
- Functional needs regarding low vision (i.e. activities of daily living) have been adequately addressed per a study low vision specialist
- Current mental health therapy
- The participant must not have an elevated suicidal intention (SI) or suicide risk based on Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) further information collected at screening (If suicidal intentions are identified, the study staff will complete the suicide protocol (per protocol)
- If the participant is using medication for mental health or psychiatry concerns, participants must be on a stable dose of the medication (1-month of taking), otherwise will be excluded
- Inability to complete study task requirements
Interventions
The initial session will be with an LVR specialist that will recommend vision-enhancing devices and techniques to improve participant's vision and mobility functionality depending on needs. The devices will be given at no cost and include, but are not limited to: magnifiers that participants can hold or wear, glasses attachments that help filter out light to see better, or items that help with glare or seeing color. This session will be followed by at least one session with an occupational therapist, that will train participants to use the devices (take home and use) and recommend/teach ways to achieve functional goals. Most participants will be asked to attend 2-4 visits, but additional visits may be needed depending on needs and progress toward functional goals. Additional visits if orientation and mobility training is also recommended. Participants will be asked to share experiences approximately 1-week after all visits.
There will be ten 1-hour weekly sessions of specialized psychotherapy with an ERT-trained therapist. These are typically done virtually but may be able to provide in-person sessions to those where this is needed. At the beginning of each session, the therapist will give participant's several questionnaires to learn about participant's experience with ERT. Questionnaires will also be completed after all sessions are completed.
Locations(1)
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NCT06651736