Learning and Plasticity in Macular Degeneration

This study is exploring new ways to help people with central vision impairment due to macular degeneration. Researchers are testing two types of behavioral training: "Training visual sensitivity" and "Combination training." These trainings aim to improve how your brain processes visual information and uses your remaining vision. You might be able to join if you are 18-89 years old, have severe vision impairment (20/100 or worse) in both eyes due to macular degeneration, and have specific light sensitivity in your macula (the central part of your retina). The study will measure success by looking at changes in your vision, such as how you use your eyes to look at things (saccadic precision) and how steady your gaze is (fixation stability) after about 7 weeks of training. The current status of this study is unclear, but it plans to enroll 60 participants.

Study design
This is an interventional study, meaning participants will receive a specific training. It plans to enroll 60 participants, but the phase is not specified.
What's involved
You would participate in training blocks over approximately 7 weeks. Your vision will be measured at the beginning and within 3 weeks after training ends.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Your vision will be assessed within 3 weeks after completing the approximately 7-week training period.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT05454124

Factors in Learning And Plasticity: Macular Degeneration

Recruiting
NAAges 18–89InterventionalBasic science
University of Alabama at Birmingham
~60 participants
Updated 2026-02-09 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Training visual sensitivityCombination training

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Change from Baseline Radial Bias from the Crowding Task after completion of Training at approximately 7 weeks
Measured over Baseline and Within 3 weeks of training completion, training is complete 7 weeks from baseline on average
+2 more outcomes measured
Central Visual Impairment
Macular Degeneration

NCT05454124

Where you'd take part

This study runs at 1 site. They're the same protocol — you choose where, and that choice sets who your contact draft is addressed to.

  • UAB

    Birmingham, Alabamastudy coordinator listed

    Recruiting

Sites open and close at different times, so the status above is per site — it can differ from the study's overall status.

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Aged 18-89
Severely impaired vision in both eyes (20/100 or worse)
diagnosis of Macular Degeneration by an Ophthalmologist
Light sensitivity in the macular retina that is at least 10 dB units worse than in peripheral regions, as demonstrated by a scanning laser ophthalmoscope (MAIA)
Medical record review indicating this level of disease severity has been present for at least 2 years
Reside within 50 miles of study site

Exclusion

Pacemaker or any ferromagnetic metal implanted in their body
Metal of any type implanted in their head (limited dental work is acceptable)
Claustrophobia
Being hearing-impaired
Weight over 300 pounds
Maximum body girth over 60 inches
Previous serious head injury
Presence of hallucinations or delusions
Excessive old, or colorful tattoos, especially near the head
Pregnancy
Braces/permanent retainer
  • Change from Baseline Radial Bias from the Crowding Task after completion of Training at approximately 7 weeksBaseline and Within 3 weeks of training completion, training is complete 7 weeks from baseline on average

    The ratio of the crowding threshold along the axis connected to the fovea vs. along the orthogonal axis.

  • Change from Baseline Saccadic Precision after Completion of Training at approximately 7 weeksBaseline and Within 3 weeks of training completion, training is complete 7 weeks from baseline on average

    Consistency across trials in placement of the first saccade calculated by the distribution across trials (bivariate contour ellipse area) of the landing point of the first fixation of each trial.

  • Change from Baseline Fixation Stability after Completion of Training at approximately 7 weeksBaseline and Within 3 weeks of training completion, training is complete 7 weeks from baseline on average

    Normalizing fixations in the PRL to the first fixation to that region and calculating the distribution of all fixation locations in this normalized space (measured as a bivariate contour ellipse area).