A Non-Interventional Study Observing Short-Term Progression in Geographic Atrophy (GA)
This study is for people aged 55 and over who have Geographic Atrophy (GA), a advanced form of dry Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD). It's an 'observational' study, meaning you won't receive new treatments, but researchers will carefully watch how your GA changes over a short period. They want to understand how the condition progresses, looking at vision, the structure of the eye, and if these changes are connected to your genes or lifestyle. This information could help doctors better understand and manage GA in the future, ultimately aiming to improve care for people with this eye condition.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This research study is about an eye condition called Geographic Atrophy (GA). GA is an advanced form of dry Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD), which is a common cause of vision loss in older people. In GA, there are patches in the central part of your vision (the macula) where light-sensing cells have wasted away. This study aims to understand how GA progresses, meaning how it changes and develops over a short period.
Researchers want to carefully observe people with GA to get a clearer picture of these changes. They will be looking at things like how your vision might be affected and the physical changes happening inside your eye. They'll also explore if factors like your genetic makeup or your daily habits (lifestyle) play a role in how your GA progresses. By gathering this detailed information, scientists hope to build up a better understanding of GA.
The ultimate goal of studies like this is to help doctors and researchers develop better ways to detect, monitor, and potentially treat GA in the future. It's a key step in improving the lives of individuals living with this condition. This study is ‘observational,’ which means you won't be given any new medications or experimental treatments as part of it. Instead, the researchers will simply be observing and collecting information about your condition as it naturally unfolds.
Key takeaways
- Study about an advanced form of dry AMD called Geographic Atrophy (GA).
- It's an 'observational' study – no new treatments are given.
- Researchers will track how GA changes over a short period.
- Ages 55 and over with GA in both eyes are eligible.
- Aims to link progression to genetic and lifestyle factors.
- Helps scientists better understand and potentially manage GA in the future.
Who may be eligible?
To join this study, you need to be at least 55 years old. You must have Geographic Atrophy (GA) in both eyes due to Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD). The affected area of GA in at least one of your eyes needs to be within a specific size range, confirmed by special eye scans.
Your vision also needs to be good enough in both eyes to get around safely, and specific vision tests will be carried out to check this. You must be able and willing to follow all study instructions and attend appointments.
You cannot join if your Macular Atrophy is caused by anything other than AMD, or if you have 'wet' AMD in either eye. If you've had certain eye surgeries recently, or any previous treatments for AMD (other than standard vitamin supplements), 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 55 years old or older?
- Have you been diagnosed with Geographic Atrophy (GA) secondary to Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) in both eyes?
- Is your vision good enough in both eyes to get around safely (e.g., 20/400 or better)?
- Have you NOT had 'wet' AMD in either eye?
- Have you NOT had any eye surgery, other than cataract surgery more than 6 months ago, or other AMD treatment (except vitamin supplements) in the study eye?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in this study, you won't receive any new medications or treatments. Instead, the doctors will observe your eyes and collect information over a short period. This will involve several visits to the clinic where you will undergo various eye examinations and tests. These tests might include detailed scans of your eye, like FAF and OCT, which take pictures of your retina, and vision tests to measure how well you see. You will also have your retinal sensitivity measured. Some information about your genetic background or lifestyle might also be collected.
Each visit will involve sitting for these non-invasive tests, and the researchers will explain everything clearly as you go along. The total duration of your involvement in the study is not specified but it is described as looking at 'short-term progression'.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (11)
- Northern California Retina Vitreous Associates Medical GroupVerified postcodeMountain View, United States· Recruiting
- Midwest Eye InstituteVerified postcodeCarmel, United States· Recruiting
- Sierra Eye AssociatesVerified postcodeReno, United States· Recruiting
- Mid Atlantic RetinaVerified postcodeBethlehem, United States· Recruiting
- Retina Foundation of the SouthwestVerified postcodeDallas, United States· Recruiting
- Gundersen Health SystemVerified postcodeLa Crosse, United States· Recruiting
- Gloucestershire Royal HospitalVerified postcodeGloucester, United Kingdom· Recruiting
- Moorfields Eye HospitalVerified postcodeLondon, United Kingdom· Recruiting
- Central Middlesex HospitalVerified postcodeLondon, United Kingdom· Recruiting
- University Hospital SouthamptonVerified postcodeSouthampton, United Kingdom· Recruiting
- The Retina Clinic LondonVerified postcodeLondon, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What is Geographic Atrophy (GA)?
GA is an advanced form of dry Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) where patches of cells in the central vision area (macula) have thinned or wasted away.
Will I receive any new treatment in this study?
No, this is an 'observational' study. You will not receive any new medications or experimental treatments. The researchers will simply observe your condition.
What kind of tests will I have?
You'll have various eye exams, including special scans that take pictures of your retina, and vision tests to measure your eyesight and retinal sensitivity.
How long will I be in the study?
The study aims to understand 'short-term progression' of GA, so your participation will last for a relatively short period, though exact duration isn't specified.
What's the benefit of taking part?
While there's no direct personal health benefit, your participation will provide valuable information that can help doctors better understand GA and potentially lead to better care for others in the future.
How to find out more
Muhammad Ali Memon
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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