Efficacy of Biofeedback Training for Glaucoma
This study is investigating a technique called 'biofeedback training' for people with glaucoma. Glaucoma can cause vision loss by damaging the nerve that sends signals from your eye to your brain. This damage can make it harder to see clearly and steadily. Biofeedback training is designed to help people with glaucoma learn to use their eyes more effectively. It aims to improve how steadily they can look at things and use the best parts of their remaining vision. The study will compare people who receive this training with those who don't, to see if it improves their eyesight and how well they can do daily activities.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Glaucoma is an eye condition that can slowly damage your optic nerve, which is like the cable connecting your eye to your brain. This damage can lead to patches of missing vision and can make it harder to look steadily at things. For some people, this can affect their daily life and how well they can see.
At the moment, treatments for glaucoma mainly focus on lowering the pressure inside your eye to prevent further damage. However, these treatments don't usually help to bring back vision that has already been lost. This study is looking into a different approach called 'biofeedback training' to see if it can help people make better use of the vision they still have.
Biofeedback training is a gentle, non-surgical method. It uses special signals, like sounds or images, to help you learn to control your eye movements better. The idea is to train your eyes to focus on areas of your vision that are still clearer and more stable. This study aims to find out if this training can improve your eyesight, including how steadily you can look at objects, and ultimately, your quality of life.
Key takeaways
- This study explores a new training method called biofeedback for people with glaucoma.
- It aims to improve vision and daily life by helping eyes use clearer areas of sight.
- Participants will either receive training or be in a comparison group.
- Assessments will check vision, reading, and quality of life.
- The training is gentle and non-surgical, focusing on eye movement control.
Who may be eligible?
To be able to take part in this study, you would generally need to be an adult, aged between 18 and 95. You should have glaucoma, and your eye pressure should be well-managed. You would also need to have specific areas of vision loss near the very center of your sight.
It's important that you can understand and follow instructions for the training. If you've had other types of vision rehabilitation treatment before, or have other serious eye conditions not related to glaucoma, you might not be able to join. Also, if cloudiness in your eyes prevents reliable eye scans, or if you find it hard to do the study tests, you might not be eligible.
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 between 18 and 95 years old?
- Do you have glaucoma, and is your eye pressure under control?
- Do you have specific areas of vision loss near the center of your sight?
- Can you understand and follow instructions for vision training?
- Have you not had other vision rehabilitation treatments before?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in this study, you will be randomly placed into one of two groups. This is like flipping a coin to decide, so it's fair. One group will receive the biofeedback training, and the other group will be a 'control' group, meaning they won't have the training during the main study period.
If you're in the training group, you'll have five weekly sessions of biofeedback training, with each session lasting about 20 minutes. Both groups will have thorough eye tests and assessments at the beginning of the study and again after the main study period. These tests will check different aspects of your vision, such as how steadily you can look at things, your reading speed, and how your vision affects your daily life. If you are in the control group, you may be offered the biofeedback training after the study period is over.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- University Health Network/ Toronto Western HospitalVerified postcodeToronto, Canada· Recruiting
Common questions
What is biofeedback training?
It's a special training that uses visual or sound signals to help you learn to control your eye movements and use the clearer parts of your vision more effectively.
Will I definitely get the training if I join?
You will be randomly assigned to either the training group or a control group. If you're in the control group, you might be offered the training later on.
How many times will I need to attend?
If you're in the training group, you'll have five weekly training sessions. Everyone will also have initial and follow-up vision assessments.
Does this study replace my current glaucoma treatment?
No, this study is looking at a new type of vision rehabilitation and does not replace your current treatments for glaucoma. You should continue with your prescribed medications.
What if I experience discomfort during the study?
You can discuss any discomfort with the study team at any time, and you are free to withdraw from the study if you wish.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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