70 Participants Needed

Biofeedback Training for Glaucoma

Age: Any Age
Sex: Any
Trial Phase: Academic
Sponsor: University Health Network, Toronto
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores whether visual biofeedback training can help people with glaucoma improve eye function and overall quality of life. Glaucoma, a condition that can lead to vision loss, makes everyday activities difficult. The trial includes two groups: one receives biofeedback training to enhance eye use, while the other receives regular care before eventually trying the training. People with glaucoma who can control their eye pressure and have specific vision issues near their central sight might be suitable candidates for this trial. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to explore innovative training that could enhance daily living for those with glaucoma.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It focuses on biofeedback training for glaucoma, so it's best to discuss your medications with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

What prior data suggests that this biofeedback training is safe for glaucoma patients?

Research has shown that biofeedback training for glaucoma is generally safe and well-tolerated. For example, one study found that this method improved visual skills, such as the ability to focus steadily and the sensitivity of the retina, without any serious side effects or safety issues. Another study discovered that biofeedback training significantly enhanced sharpness of vision, contrast sensitivity, and reading skills in patients with eye conditions similar to glaucoma.

Overall, evidence from past research suggests that this type of training is both helpful and safe for people with glaucoma. Participants in these studies did not report any major negative effects, indicating that the treatment is well-tolerated.12345

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Unlike standard treatments for glaucoma that primarily focus on reducing intraocular pressure with medications or surgical procedures, biofeedback training offers a unique, non-invasive approach. This method uses visual and auditory feedback to help patients enhance their eye movements and improve retinal sensitivity and fixation stability. Researchers are excited because it could potentially improve visual function and quality of life without the need for drugs or surgery, providing a new avenue for managing glaucoma that complements existing treatments.

What evidence suggests that biofeedback training is effective for improving visual function and quality of life in glaucoma?

Research has shown that biofeedback training, which participants in this trial may receive, can improve vision in people with glaucoma. Studies have found that this training makes it easier to focus and see details, both crucial for better vision. Some patients have even experienced clearer vision and faster reading speeds. Evidence from trials also suggests that biofeedback training enhances quality of life by maximizing the use of remaining vision. These findings offer promising support for the benefits of biofeedback training in managing vision problems related to glaucoma.12467

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults aged 18-95 with glaucoma, specifically those who have stable eye pressure and paracentral scotomata (blind spots) near the center of their vision. Participants must be able to follow instructions for biofeedback training.

Inclusion Criteria

Presence of paracentral scotomata within two degrees of fixation
Ability to follow instructions for biofeedback training
I am between 18 and 95 years old.
See 1 more

Exclusion Criteria

Inability to perform study assessments or follow instructions for biofeedback training
I have received treatment for low vision.
I have severe eye conditions not related to glaucoma.
See 1 more

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants in the intervention group undergo five weekly sessions of biofeedback training, each lasting approximately 20 minutes

5 weeks
5 visits (in-person)

Control Period

Participants in the control group receive standard clinical assessments without biofeedback training

9 weeks
1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for visual function and quality of life at scheduled follow-up visits

2 years
Follow-up visits at 9 weeks, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

  • Biofeedback Training

Trial Overview

The study tests if visual biofeedback training can improve eye movement control and use of remaining vision in people with glaucoma. Half the participants will receive this training while the other half won't, to compare outcomes like visual stability and quality of life.

How Is the Trial Designed?

2

Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: Biofeedback Training (BT)Experimental Treatment1 Intervention
Group II: Control (Delayed Biofeedback Training)Active Control1 Intervention

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University Health Network, Toronto

Lead Sponsor

Trials
1,555
Recruited
526,000+

Citations

Efficacy of Biofeedback Training for Glaucoma

Primary outcome measures include fixation stability and retinal sensitivity assessed using microperimetry, best-corrected visual acuity for ...

Efficacy of Biofeedback Training for Glaucoma

This randomized controlled clinical trial evaluates the efficacy of visual biofeedback training on visual function and quality of life in ...

New trends in visual rehabilitation with MP-1 microperimeter ...

In this study we set out to demonstrate that it is possible to apply visual rehabilitation with MP-1 biofeedback also to patients with advanced glaucoma ...

Rehabilitative strategies after filtering procedure in glaucoma

Results of this study demonstrate that biofeedback rehabilitation with MP-3 has marked influence on patients with advanced glaucoma restoring ...

Visual Rehabilitation With MP-1 Biofeedback In Advanced ...

Even visual acuity for far and near were improved and results were statistically significant (p = 0.0352). Conclusions: : Our results show that rehabilitation ...

Biofeedback Fixation Training in the Rehabilitation of Patients ...

Our results demonstrating significant improvements in visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and reading ability in GA eyes are consistent with previous reports ...

Biofeedback Training for Glaucoma

The study tests if visual biofeedback training can improve eye movement control and use of remaining vision in people with glaucoma. Half the ...