Adaptive Optics Retinal Imaging in Inherited and Acquired Retinal Disorders
This research wants to understand eye conditions that affect vision, especially those passed down through families (inherited) or that develop over time (acquired). Researchers will use a special camera, called an adaptive optics retinal camera, to get very detailed pictures of the light-sensing cells and other tiny structures at the back of the eye. By looking at these pictures, they hope to learn more about how these conditions develop and how different treatments might change the eye. They will compare images from people with eye conditions to those from healthy volunteers and also look at images from patients before and after treatment to see its effects.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Imagine being able to see the tiny cells at the back of your eye in incredible detail, almost like looking at individual grains of sand on a beach – but these 'grains' are actually the cells that help you see! This study uses a very advanced type of camera called an Adaptive Optics Retinal Camera (AO camera) to do just that. The main goal is to get a much clearer picture of what's happening at the very back of the eye in people who have inherited or acquired eye conditions that affect their vision.
Researchers want to understand how these eye conditions change the light-sensing cells (photoreceptors), the support layer beneath them (retinal pigment epithelium), and the tiny blood vessels in the eye. Currently, it's hard to see these changes in such detail. By taking these super-detailed images, the study hopes to learn more about the exact problems causing vision loss and how these problems might get better or worse over time. They will compare these detailed images from people with eye conditions to those from healthy volunteers.
Another important aim is to see if this special camera can help doctors understand if treatments are working. By taking pictures before and after someone receives treatment for an eye condition, researchers can look for tiny changes in the cells that might show the treatment is having an effect. This could eventually help doctors choose the best treatments and measure how well they are doing for patients.
Key takeaways
- This study uses a special camera for detailed eye scans.
- It aims to better understand inherited and acquired eye conditions.
- The camera helps track changes in eye cells over time and with treatment.
- Participation involves initial scans and follow-up visits over a year.
- It's an observational study, meaning no new treatments are given.
- Your detailed scans will help advance scientific knowledge.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for around 200 people. Most will have an inherited or acquired eye condition, and about 25 will be healthy volunteers (the 'control group') with normal eyes. You can join if you are aged between 5 and 70 years old and have a known eye condition.
If you have normal eyes, you can join the control group if you are also aged between 5 and 70. This also includes people with a squint (strabismus) but otherwise healthy eyes, or a cataract in one eye but a healthy other eye.
There are also some reasons you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if you find it hard to sit still for a period of time, have shaking eyes (nystagmus), or have eye problems that block the camera's view, like a severe cataract. If you have had certain eye surgeries or conditions in the past, or if strong light bothers you, you might also not be able to take part.
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 5 and 70 years old?
- Do you have a diagnosed eye condition, or do your eyes have normal vision?
- Can you sit still and keep your head steady?
- Do you have a clear view to the back of your eye (e.g., no severe cataract)?
- Do you avoid medicines that make you very sensitive to light?
- Have you *not* had certain eye surgeries like previous intra-ocular surgery?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, the first step is to discuss the study and formally agree to join. The research team will then collect information about your past eye exams, medical history, and family's medical history from your hospital notes. You will have a special scan using the adaptive optics camera, which will take very detailed pictures of the back of your eye.
After your first visit, you will be asked to come back for follow-up visits. These visits will typically be scheduled at 6 months and then again at 1 year after your initial visit. At these follow-up appointments, the researchers will take more detailed pictures with the AO camera to see if there have been any changes over time or if any treatment you're receiving has had an effect. The total duration of your participation in the study would be about one year.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- The Hospital for Sick ChildrenVerified postcodeToronto, Canada· Recruiting
Common questions
What is an 'inherited eye disorder'?
It's an eye condition that you are born with or that runs in your family, passed down through your genes.
What is an 'acquired eye disorder'?
This is an eye condition that you develop during your lifetime, rather than being born with it.
What does the special camera do?
It takes incredibly detailed, close-up pictures of the tiny cells and structures at the very back of your eye that help you see.
Will I get treatment in this study?
No, this study is about observing and understanding eye conditions and how existing treatments affect the eye, not about giving new treatments.
How long will I be in the study?
Your participation will last for about one year, with follow-up visits at 6 months and 1 year.
How to find out more
Ajoy Vincent, MS
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
Community discussion
Powered by our forum at community.patient.info. Please be respectful — this is not medical advice.