Light-Touch Study
Wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD) is an eye condition that affects central vision. It is treated with regular injections into the eye to stop fluid leaking at the back of the retina. A newer approved medicine, faricimab, helps many people go longer between clinic visits. Normally, when switching to faricimab, patients receive four monthly injections to start. The Light-Touch study is testing whether people who already receive eye injections actually need all four starter doses. Half the participants will get the standard four starter injections, while the other half will receive just one starter injection before moving to a personalised schedule. The goal is to see if a 'light touch' protects vision just as well while sparing patients unnecessary hospital visits and injections. Taking part lasts about 56 weeks and involves regular, painless eye scans and expert check-ups.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects the macula, the part of your eye responsible for sharp, central vision. In 'wet' AMD, abnormal blood vessels grow underneath the retina and leak fluid or blood. Without treatment, this can cause rapid vision loss. Fortunately, regular eye injections can dry up the fluid and protect your sight.
Faricimab is a newer eye injection that is already approved by the NHS. It is designed to last longer than older medicines, meaning patients often need fewer clinic visits over time. When doctors switch a patient to faricimab, the standard routine is to give four monthly injections in a row before spacing them out. However, for people who have already had lots of injections in the past, four starting doses might not be necessary.
The Light-Touch study, led by Moorfields Eye Hospital, asks an important question: can we safely give just one starting injection of faricimab instead of four? Researchers will closely track participants' eyesight and fluid levels to see if this simpler start keeps vision stable.
If the study succeeds, it could change everyday NHS care. A 'light-touch' approach would mean fewer hospital visits, less time spent in waiting rooms, fewer injections, and less stress for patients, all while keeping their sight protected.
Key takeaways
- The study tests whether switching to faricimab works just as well with one starter injection instead of four.
- Fewer injections could mean fewer hospital appointments and less hassle for patients.
- Faricimab is already an approved, widely used NHS medicine for wet AMD.
- Participants take part for around 56 weeks and receive close, expert monitoring.
- Participation is voluntary and will not affect your right to standard NHS care.
Who may be eligible?
This study is for adults aged 50 and over who have wet AMD and are already receiving regular eye injections (such as aflibercept or ranibizumab). You must still need these injections at least every 12 weeks to keep fluid under control, and you must still have a reasonable level of central vision in the study eye.
You cannot take part if you have already had faricimab injections in that eye, or if you have severe scarring or tissue damage in the very centre of your retina. People who have had eye surgery in the past three months, or who have uncontrolled glaucoma, are also unable to join.
Because your general health and safety come first, you will not be able to participate if you have had a heart attack or stroke in the last six months, have very high blood pressure, or are pregnant or breastfeeding.
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.
- I am aged 50 or over.
- I have been diagnosed with wet AMD in at least one eye.
- I already receive regular anti-VEGF eye injections at least every 12 weeks.
- I have never had faricimab (Vabysmo) injections in this eye.
- I have not had a stroke, heart attack, or eye surgery in the last few months.
What does participation involve?
If you join the study, you will take part for around 56 weeks. You will be placed by chance into one of two groups: one receives the standard four monthly starter injections of faricimab, while the other receives just one starter injection. After the starting phase, both groups receive injections on a tailored schedule based on what their eye needs. At each visit, doctors will test your vision and take detailed, painless photographs of your retina using non-invasive light scans (OCT). These scans do not touch your eye. All care is carried out by specialist eye teams, and you will be monitored closely throughout.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- -Approximate-, England
Common questions
Is faricimab an experimental drug?
No. Faricimab is already fully approved by UK health authorities and recommended by NICE for treating wet AMD on the NHS.
Do the eye injections hurt?
Before any injection, the clinic team uses numbing drops so you do not feel pain. Most people only feel a brief sensation of pressure.
What happens if fluid builds up in my eye during the study?
Your eye will be checked at every visit. If fluid returns, your doctor will adjust your treatment schedule to give you an injection and protect your vision.
Will I have to pay for anything?
No. All study-related medicines, scans, and appointments are provided free of charge through the NHS.
Can I leave the study if I change my mind?
Yes. You can leave the study at any time without giving a reason. Your doctors will simply switch you back to standard NHS eye care.
How to find out more
Dun Jack Fu
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
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