CompletedObservational

Investigating methods of measuring visual field sensitivity in glaucoma

Glaucoma is a common eye condition that slowly damages side vision. In hospital clinics, doctors check this using a visual field test, where you click a button when you see tiny spots of light on a screen. However, this test was developed more than 40 years ago. This UK study aims to modernise these tests using our updated understanding of the eye. Researchers want to see how people with glaucoma detect different shapes and lights compared to people with healthy vision. Adults aged 40 and older can take part, including those with primary open-angle or normal tension glaucoma, as well as volunteers with healthy eyes. Taking part involves visiting a clinic in Cardiff, London, Belfast, or Coleraine for routine eye checks and computer-based vision tests. The tests are completely safe, non-invasive, and help researchers design faster, more accurate sight tests for the NHS.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Sponsor

Cardiff University

Enrolment target

387

Start

01 Aug 2022

Estimated completion

30 Apr 2026

Investigating peripheral visual sensitivity in people with glaucoma and normally-sighted individuals

What is this study about?

Glaucoma is one of the most common causes of sight loss in the UK, affecting around half a million people in England and Wales. It happens when the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain, becomes damaged. This usually causes slow, patchy loss of your side (peripheral) vision. Because it happens gradually, many people do not notice changes until significant damage has occurred.

To check for glaucoma, eye clinics use a test called perimetry. During this test, you look into a bowl-shaped machine and press a buzzer whenever you spot faint flashes of light. While useful, these standard tests were designed in the 1970s and 1980s. Since then, scientists have learned a great deal more about how glaucoma affects the sensitive nerve cells at the back of the eye.

This study tests new ways to present visual patterns on screen to find out what makes them easiest or hardest to detect. By comparing how people with glaucoma respond compared to people with healthy vision, researchers hope to design modern tests that catch sight changes sooner, with greater accuracy and less fatigue for patients.

Key takeaways

The study tests modern screen-based methods to measure side vision loss in glaucoma.
Open to people aged 40+ with primary glaucoma, as well as healthy volunteers.
Appointments take place in Cardiff, London, Belfast, or Coleraine.
Tests are safe, non-invasive, and similar to routine checks at your local optician.
Participation is voluntary and does not change your existing NHS treatments.

Who may be eligible?

You may be able to join this study if you are aged 40 or over and fall into one of two groups: you have been diagnosed with primary open-angle glaucoma or normal tension glaucoma, or you have healthy eyes with no personal or close family history of glaucoma.

To take part, you should have reasonably clear central vision (at least 6/9 on an eye chart using your normal glasses or contact lenses). Your glasses prescription must also fall within moderate limits (less than 6 dioptres of short- or long-sightedness and less than 3.5 dioptres of astigmatism).

You will not be able to participate if you have other conditions that affect your eyesight, such as diabetes, thyroid eye disease, or macular degeneration. You also cannot take part if you have had eye surgery that permanently altered your vision (such as a corneal graft) or if you have trouble keeping your eyes steady on a screen.

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.

I am aged 40 or older.
I either have diagnosed open-angle/normal tension glaucoma OR have completely healthy eyes.
I have no first-degree relatives (parents, siblings, children) with glaucoma (if applying as a healthy volunteer).
I do not have other serious eye conditions, such as macular degeneration or diabetic eye disease.
I can comfortably focus on a screen without involuntary eye shaking (nystagmus).
My glasses prescription is under 6 dioptres.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

Taking part involves attending one or more appointments at a university eye clinic in Cardiff, London, Belfast, or Coleraine.

At your visit, researchers will ask brief questions about your general health and review your eye history. You will have some standard, painless checks, similar to what you experience at an optician, including a check of your eye pressure. For this, a mild numbing eye drop is used, which wears off in about 20 minutes.

You will then complete the visual field tests. You will sit comfortably, look at a target on a screen, and press a button when you see spots appear in your side vision. Only one eye is tested, and you can take regular breaks whenever you need them. The study does not involve taking any new medications, and you can return home immediately after your visit.

Potential risks and benefits

There is no direct medical benefit to taking part, but your involvement will help improve how glaucoma is detected and monitored for future patients. The vision tests carry no more risk than watching television and do not hurt. The numbing drops used for the eye pressure check can temporarily blur vision slightly, and you should avoid rubbing your eye for 20 minutes until the drop wears off. If researchers happen to spot an unexpected eye issue during your visit, they will arrange a referral to an eye specialist for you. Taking part is entirely voluntary, and you can stop at any time without it affecting your regular NHS eye care.

Locations (5)

Cardiff University
Approximate
Cardiff, Wales
Ulster University
Approximate
Coleraine, Northern Ireland
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board
City only
Cardiff, Wales
Northern Ireland Clinical Research Network
City only
Belfast, Northern Ireland
NIHR Moorfields Biomedical Research Centre
City only
London, England

Common questions

Will taking part improve or treat my glaucoma?

No. This is an observational research study to improve testing methods, so it does not provide any new treatments or cure glaucoma.

Do the eye tests hurt?

Not at all. The tests simply involve looking at a screen and pressing a button. A mild anaesthetic drop is used to check eye pressure, which feels like a normal drop at the optician.

Can I take part if I wear glasses or contact lenses?

Yes, as long as your prescription is within the study limits (under 6.00 dioptres of spherical power and under 3.50 dioptres of astigmatism).

Where are the appointments held?

Visits take place at specialised research clinics located at Cardiff University, University College London (UCL), or Ulster University (Belfast or Coleraine).

What happens if the researchers notice something wrong with my eyes?

If the researchers find any unexpected eye problems during your screening, they will discuss it with you and refer you to an appropriate NHS eye specialist, just like a high street optometrist would.

How to find out more

Becky Vangasse

vangasser@cardiff.ac.uk + 44 (0)2920870564 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.