CompletedInterventional

Contrast sensitivity measurement validation testing program

This research study is for people aged 40 to 50 who have presbyopia, which is when your eyes gradually lose the ability to focus on nearby objects as you get older. The main goal is to check how sensitive two different types of vision tests are at spotting small changes in your eyesight, especially when trying to focus. While standard eye charts measure how clear your vision is, these tests measure something called 'contrast sensitivity', which can be better at finding small differences in how well different glasses or contact lenses work. By understanding this, researchers hope to develop better ways to assess new eye care products. There are no direct personal benefits from taking part, but your contribution will help improve vision testing for everyone.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Sponsor

Optometric Technology Group Ltd

Enrolment target

Start

17 May 2025

Estimated completion

30 Oct 2025

Presbyopia

What is this study about?

This study is looking into how we measure people's vision, especially for a common eye condition called presbyopia. Presbyopia means that as you get older, usually starting in your 40s, it becomes harder to focus on things up close, like reading a book or looking at your phone. This is a normal part of aging.

Currently, when you go for an eye test, the optician usually checks how clearly you can see letters on a chart. This is called 'visual acuity'. However, there's another important measure called 'contrast sensitivity'. This tests your ability to see differences between light and dark, which can be very important in everyday life, for example, seeing objects in dim light or driving at dusk. Researchers believe that contrast sensitivity tests might be even better than standard eye charts at showing how well different glasses or contact lenses are working.

This study aims to compare two different contrast sensitivity tests to see how good they are at noticing subtle changes in vision when someone's focus is slightly off. The results won't directly improve your vision right away, but they will help eye care professionals better understand and measure eyesight, which can lead to better eye care solutions in the future. It's about making sure we have the best tools to assess how well new treatments and products for conditions like presbyopia are performing.

Key takeaways

Study is for people aged 40-50 with presbyopia.
Focuses on improving how eye tests measure vision.
Involves 14 clinic visits in total.
No new treatments or direct personal benefits.
Helps advance understanding of vision measurement.
You can withdraw at any time.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for people between 40 and 50 years old who have presbyopia and wear glasses or soft contact lenses for their vision. Your distance vision (how well you see far away) and your near vision (how well you see close up) need to be within a certain range as determined by your current glasses or contact lens prescription.

You also need to have good overall vision even with your glasses or contact lenses, meaning you can see at least 20/25 with each eye. It's important that you don't have any current or past eye diseases, injuries, or other issues that affect your vision. If you have very reduced sensitivity in the clear front part of your eye (cornea), you also can't take part.

Finally, if you've recently started certain medications (in the last month) that could affect your vision, like some antihistamines, muscle relaxants, or antidepressants, you might not be able to join. Also, if you are a close family member of the study researchers or staff, you won't be able to 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 between 40 and 50 years old?
Do you have difficulty focusing on nearby objects (presbyopia)?
Do you currently wear glasses or soft contact lenses?
Is your corrected vision (with glasses/contacts) at least 20/25 in each eye?
Have you *not* had any eye diseases or injuries that affect your vision?
Have you *not* started certain new medications (like antihistamines or antidepressants) in the last month that might affect your vision?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, the study is divided into two main parts. Part 1 will involve coming to the clinic for nine separate appointments. Part 2 will involve attending the clinic for five separate appointments. During these visits, your eyesight will be tested using different methods, specifically focusing on how well you see contrasts. You won't be given any new medications or treatments in this study. The total duration of the study activities, from start to finish, is expected to be from July 2025 to October 2025.

Potential risks and benefits

There are no direct personal medical benefits from taking part in this study, however, the information gathered will help researchers to better understand and improve how we measure vision, which could lead to better eye care for others in the future. The risks of participating are expected to be very low, mainly involving the time commitment for clinic visits and any minor discomfort from having your eyes tested, similar to a routine eye exam. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care or your relationship with the researchers.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Ocular Technology Group International
City only
London, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is presbyopia?

Presbyopia is a common eye condition that happens as you get older, making it harder to focus on things close to you. It's a natural part of aging.

What is 'contrast sensitivity'?

Contrast sensitivity is how well your eyes can see differences between light and dark objects, which is important for seeing in different lighting conditions, like at night.

Will I get new glasses or treatment in this study?

No, this study is about testing how vision is measured. You won't receive any new glasses, contact lenses, or treatments during your participation.

How many times do I have to visit the clinic?

If you join, you will have a total of 14 visits to the clinic: nine for the first part of the study and five for the second part.

Who is paying for this research?

The study is funded by Alcon Research, LLC, a company based in Switzerland that works on eye care products.

How to find out more

Deborah Moore

dmoore@otg.co.uk +44 2072224224 Official trial record

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