Functional and Anatomical Visual Investigations in Patients With Early Forms of Age-related Macular Degeneration
This study is for people in the early stages of Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD), a common eye condition that can affect your central vision. Doctors know that a close look at the eye can show early signs of AMD, but it's not always clear how those early signs impact someone's vision right away. This research aims to find better ways to measure these changes, even before vision problems become very noticeable. By understanding how vision is affected early on, scientists hope to develop and test new treatments that could help prevent AMD from getting more serious. This could ultimately help people keep their good vision for longer.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Age-related Macular Degeneration, or AMD, is a common eye condition that can affect your central vision, which you use for reading, watching TV, and recognising faces. It often develops as people get older. In its early stages, AMD doesn't always cause noticeable changes to your vision, even though doctors can see changes, like small yellow spots called drusen, inside your eye. This makes it challenging to tell how much the disease is affecting someone's eyesight at this early point.
This study aims to discover better ways to measure vision and eye function in people with early and intermediate AMD. The researchers want to find out if there are subtle changes in vision that we can detect even before AMD becomes more advanced. By using special tests that look at different aspects of vision, they hope to get a clearer picture of how the disease progresses right from the start.
The main goal of this research is to find new 'markers' – or early warning signs – that show AMD is developing or getting worse. Identifying these early markers is incredibly important because it's the first step towards creating and proving new treatments. If we can spot AMD earlier and understand how it affects vision, doctors might be able to slow down its progression and help people maintain their sight for longer.
Key takeaways
- This study focuses on early AMD, a common age-related eye condition.
- It aims to find new ways to detect subtle vision changes in early AMD.
- No new treatments or medications are given during the study.
- The research could help develop future treatments to slow AMD progression.
- Participation involves eye tests and scans to gather information.
Who may be eligible?
To join this study, you need to be aged 18 or older. Your vision should be very good (10/10) in both eyes with your glasses or contact lenses, if you wear them. You also need to have early or intermediate signs of Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) in at least one eye, which your eye doctor would be able to confirm. These signs include certain types of small spots in the back of your eye called drusen, or changes in your eye's pigment.
However, some conditions would mean you can't take part. For instance, if you already have a more advanced type of AMD called geographic atrophy, or if there's new vessel growth in your eye. Also, if your eye doctor suspects another eye condition might be causing your symptoms, or if you have certain neurological problems (like advanced Parkinson's or Alzheimer's) that might make doing eye tests difficult, you wouldn't be able to join. Other eye issues like very high or low prescriptions, glaucoma, or blurry parts in your eye that affect vision would also exclude you. Lastly, any major health problem that would make it hard for you to complete the study's examinations would mean you couldn't participate.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Is your vision 10/10 (very good) in each eye with your usual glasses or contacts?
- Has an eye doctor told you that you have early or intermediate AMD in at least one eye?
- Do you have any other serious eye conditions like advanced AMD or glaucoma?
- Do you have any significant health issues that would make it hard to do eye exams?
What does participation involve?
The study involves several visits where you will undergo various functional and anatomical eye tests. These tests are designed to measure different aspects of your vision and to take detailed pictures of the back of your eye. You won't be given any new medication as part of this study. The researchers will likely want to follow up on your progress over a period, but the total duration and specific number of visits are not detailed here. You should discuss the exact schedule and what each visit entails with the study team.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Hôpital Fondation A. de RothschildVerified postcodeParis, France· Recruiting
Common questions
What is Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD)?
AMD is an eye condition common in older people that affects the central part of your vision, making it harder to see details.
Why is this study important?
This study aims to find better ways to detect AMD early, which could help develop treatments to slow its progress and protect people's vision.
Will I receive any new treatment in this study?
No, this study focuses on understanding early AMD through tests and measurements, not on trying out new medications or treatments.
What kinds of tests will I have?
You will have various eye tests to check your vision and detailed scans to take pictures of the back of your eye.
Can I leave the study if I change my mind?
Yes, you can choose to leave the study at any point without it affecting your medical care.
How to find out more
Amelie Yavchitz
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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