RecruitingObservational

Dark adaptation and Retinal Topography in AMD (DART-AMD)

This study, called DART-AMD, is investigating how the eyes of people with early age-related macular degeneration (AMD) adjust to dark conditions. Researchers want to understand if specific changes in the back of the eye (retina) affect how quickly people adapt to darkness. This is important because a faster dark adaptation rate could help predict how AMD might progress. They hope this will lead to better ways of testing new treatments that could slow down or stop AMD from getting worse. If you have intermediate AMD and are between 55 and 85, you might be able to take part. The study involves eye tests at the start and after 12 months, including looking at bright lights and then pressing a button when you see faint lights in the dark, similar to tests you might have at the optician.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

City, University of London

Enrolment target

Start

01 Apr 2025

Estimated completion

31 Jul 2026

Age-related macular degeneration

What is this study about?

Intermediate age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an early stage of an eye condition that can lead to significant vision loss. Doctors are really keen to find ways to slow down or even stop AMD from getting worse. To do this, they need good tests that show if new treatments are actually working.

One promising test looks at how quickly a person's eyes adjust when moving from bright light to dim light – this is called 'dark adaptation'. We know that people with intermediate AMD often have slower dark adaptation compared to people of the same age without the condition. However, it can be very different from person to person, even when their AMD seems to be at the same stage. This study wants to find out if specific changes in the back of the eye, which are common in AMD, are linked to these differences in dark adaptation.

By understanding this link, the researchers hope to make the dark adaptation test even more useful for future clinical trials. This means they could more accurately judge if a new treatment is effective in slowing down AMD progression, ultimately helping to preserve sight for more people.

Key takeaways

Study aims to understand early AMD better.
Investigates how eyes adjust to darkness (dark adaptation).
May help find better ways to test new AMD treatments.
Participation involves eye tests over 12 months.
No direct treatment or personal benefit, but helps future patients.
Eye drops temporarily blur vision and cause light sensitivity.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for volunteers between the ages of 55 and 85 years old. To take part, you need to have intermediate AMD in at least one of your eyes. Your vision in the eye being studied shouldn't be too bad, roughly equivalent to reading at least 6/30 on a standard eye chart. You also need to be able to understand English instructions and be able to do the eye tests.

You cannot take part if you have other eye conditions that might affect your vision, or if you have certain general health problems like diabetes that can impact your eyes. Also, if you've had a strong reaction to eye drops that dilate your pupils in the past, or have very high pressure in your eyes, you wouldn't be able to join. The researchers also need to be able to get clear pictures of the back of your eye, so if you have severe cataracts or other issues preventing this, you wouldn't be suitable.

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 55 and 85 years old?
Do you have intermediate AMD in at least one eye?
Can you understand information given in English?
Do you have any other eye conditions (besides AMD) that affect your vision?
Have you ever had a bad reaction to eye drops used to widen your pupils?
Do you have severe cataracts or other issues preventing clear eye imaging?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you take part, you'll visit the study site at the beginning of the study, and then again after 12 months. Some participants will also have an extra visit two weeks after their first one to check that the dark adaptation tests give similar results each time. Each visit will involve some simple eye tests, like reading an eye chart. Then, you'll have eye drops put in to make your pupils bigger, which helps the researchers take photos of the back of your eye. You'll also do a 'dark adaptation' test. This involves looking at a bright light for one minute, then sitting in a dim room. You'll rest your chin on a stand and look into a bowl, pressing a button each time you see a tiny spot of light appear. This is similar to the visual field tests you might have at an optician. The whole study will run from January 2025 to December 2027.

Potential risks and benefits

There are no direct personal health benefits for taking part in this study, but your contribution will greatly help doctors understand AMD better and improve methods for testing new treatments. This could lead to a better future for many people with AMD. The eye tests themselves are safe, although you might find them a bit tiring. The eye drops used to dilate your pupils are standard, but they will make your eyes sensitive to bright light and your vision a bit blurry for about six hours. It's important not to drive or operate machinery during this time. Very rarely, some people have a mild reaction to the drops, causing red or sore eyes. If this happens, you should contact the study team immediately. All light levels used in the tests are well within safety guidelines. Remember, you are always free to withdraw from the study at any time.

Locations (1)

Moorfields Eye Hospital
Approximate
London, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is 'dark adaptation'?

Dark adaptation is how your eyes adjust when you go from a bright place to a dimly lit one, helping you see better in the dark.

What is intermediate AMD?

Intermediate AMD is an early to middle stage of age-related macular degeneration, which is a common eye condition that can affect your central vision.

Will I get any treatment in this study?

No, this study is observational, meaning it's about understanding AMD better, not testing new treatments directly on participants.

Where will the tests take place?

The tests will take place at Moorfields Eye Hospital in the UK.

Who is paying for this research?

The study is funded by The Macular Society, which is a charity in the UK.

How to find out more

Alison Binns

Alison.Binns.1@city.ac.uk +44 (0)7939843280 Official trial record

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