RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Visual Frailty in Ageing

This study, called 'Visual Frailty in Ageing,' aims to better understand and measure a concept called 'visual frailty' in older people. This refers to how vision problems, along with other health issues, mental well-being, and daily tasks, affect someone's overall health and independence. Researchers are focusing on people aged 60 and over who have Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD), a common eye condition. They want to create a tool to assess visual frailty and see how vision, reading ability, daily living, mental health, and other health problems are connected. The goal is to improve how we monitor and care for the vision of ageing populations in the UK.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Edinburgh

Enrolment target

Start

09 Apr 2025

Estimated completion

01 Feb 2027

What is this study about?

Imagine feeling a bit wobbly on your feet as you get older – that's often called physical frailty. This study is looking at something similar but for your eyes, which they call 'visual frailty.' It's about how changes in your eyesight, especially as you age, can affect your overall health, your ability to do everyday tasks, and even your mood.

Researchers are focusing on people aged 60 and over who have a common eye condition called Age-related Macular Degeneration, or AMD. This condition can make your central vision blurry. The main idea is to understand what visual frailty truly means and how we can measure it accurately. They want to create a special tool that brings together information about your vision (like how well you see and read), your physical abilities, your mental health (like feelings of anxiety or sadness), and any other health conditions you might have. By looking at all these things together, they hope to get a clearer picture of how vision problems impact older people.

Ultimately, this study aims to improve the way doctors and eye specialists check on and support older people with eye conditions. By understanding visual frailty better, they hope to predict who might need extra help and make sure they get the right care to maintain their independence and quality of life.

Key takeaways

Aims to understand 'visual frailty' in older people with AMD.
Will assess vision, reading, daily life, and mental health.
Focuses on Scots aged 60+ with advanced AMD.
Data collected during regular eye clinic visits and by phone.
No new medications or treatments involved.
Findings could improve future care for ageing eyes.

Who may be eligible?

To be considered for this study, you need to be a resident of Scotland and be aged 60 or older. You must also have been diagnosed with advanced Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and be receiving treatment for it at Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion (PAEP) or another NHS Lothian facility. It’s important that you’ve been getting this treatment for at least six months and that it has been helping you.

You also need to be able to fully understand the study information and be comfortable giving your permission to take part. This permission is called 'informed consent'.

There are a few reasons why you might not be able to join this particular study. If you can't speak or read English, you won't be included in this initial phase (though the researchers hope to include non-English speakers later with interpreters). Also, if you've recently had eye surgery, like cataract removal, you wouldn't be able to join. Finally, if you're unable to give your consent to participate, you won't be included.

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 60 years old or older?
Do you live in Scotland?
Have you been diagnosed with advanced Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD)?
Are you currently receiving treatment for your AMD at Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion or another NHS Lothian facility?
Have you been receiving this treatment for at least six months, and is it helping you?
Can you read and speak English?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you'll be asked to provide some information during your routine visits to Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion, Anne Rowling Clinic (home to the NHS Low Visual Aid Clinic), or another NHS Lothian eye clinic. This will involve checking your eyesight, including how well you see things far away and up close, and how easily you can read. They will also ask you about your daily activities and generally how you are feeling mentally.

In addition to these clinic assessments, the researchers will have a phone call with you and, if you have one, your carer or a family member. This is so they can understand your and your family's thoughts and experiences about how vision affects daily life. The study will not involve taking any new medications or having any extra procedures beyond what you would normally have for your eye condition. The exact number of visits or the total length of your participation isn't specified, but it will fit in with your existing clinic appointments.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might not directly benefit your health immediately, but it could help doctors understand vision problems and ageing better in the future, potentially leading to improved care for others. The main risk involved would be the time and effort required to answer questions and undergo assessments. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your usual medical care.

Locations (2)

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

The Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion
Verified postcode
Edinburgh, United Kingdom· Not yet recruiting
Anne Rowling Clinic
Verified postcode
Edinburgh, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is 'visual frailty'?

It's a term for how vision problems, along with other health issues and daily abilities, can affect older people's overall independence and well-being.

Who is eligible to join this study?

People aged 60 and over, living in Scotland, with advanced AMD and receiving treatment at an NHS Lothian eye clinic, who can give consent.

What will I have to do if I take part?

You'll have your vision checked, answer questions about your daily life and mental health during clinic visits, and have a phone call with researchers (and possibly your carer).

Will I have to take any new medicines?

No, this study doesn't involve any new medications or different treatments for your eye condition.

How long will I be in the study?

The study activities will usually take place during your regular eye clinic appointments, and the overall duration isn't specified, but it won't involve extra visits just for the study.

How to find out more

Godfrey Wanok, BSc (Hons) Optom; MSc PCO

W.Godfrey@sms.ed.ac.uk +447442374789 Official trial record

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