RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

EyeConic: Qualification for Cone-Optogenetics

This study, called EyeConic, is a first step towards helping people with inherited eye conditions that lead to poor vision. Some people with these conditions have special light-sensing cells in their eyes that are still alive but not working properly – like they're 'asleep'. Future treatments aim to 'wake up' these cells to restore some sight. To prepare for these new treatments, this study will use simple eye scans, called OCT scans, to find out how many people with poor vision still have these 'sleeping' cells. It's an important step to understand who might benefit from future vision-restoring therapies. They are also looking at scans from people with healthy eyes for comparison.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel

Enrolment target

1,000

Start

01 Jul 2021

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2026

Retinal Dystrophies

What is this study about?

Imagine your eyes have tiny light-sensing cells, called cones, that help you see in detail and colour. For some people living with inherited eye conditions, these cone cells stop working properly, leading to poor vision. However, scientists believe that sometimes these cells aren't completely dead; they're just 'dormant' or 'asleep', meaning they're still there but aren't responding to light.

This study, EyeConic, is like a detective mission to find out how many people with inherited eye conditions and poor vision still have these 'sleeping' cone cells. Doctors will use a common and painless eye scan called an Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) scan. This scan takes detailed pictures of the back of your eye, almost like an X-ray but using light, to see the different layers and cells. By doing this, they hope to get a better idea of who might be able to benefit from new types of treatments.

Why is this important? Because if doctors know how many people have these 'sleeping' cells, they can plan for new treatments called 'optogenetics'. These treatments aim to 'wake up' the dormant cells so they can start sensing light again and potentially restore some vision. This EyeConic study isn't offering treatment itself, but it's a crucial stepping stone to help us understand who might be suitable for these exciting new therapies in the future.

Key takeaways

This study uses existing eye scans to find people with 'sleeping' eye cells.
It's a crucial step to develop future sight-restoring treatments.
No new tests, treatments, or clinic visits are required for participants.
It helps identify who might benefit from new therapies called 'optogenetics'.
Participation means your past eye scans contribute to future medical breakthroughs.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this EyeConic study, you must have an inherited eye condition that affects your retina (the light-sensitive layer at the back of your eye) and causes your vision to be quite poor – specifically, worse than 20/400 (which means you need to be 20 feet away to see what a person with normal vision sees at 400 feet). You also need to have had a specific eye scan called an OCT scan, which gives detailed pictures of your retina.

They are also looking for a group of people with healthy eyes to compare the results. If you have normal eyesight and have had an OCT scan, you might be able to participate as a 'control'.

However, if you have other eye conditions that significantly affect your vision or the structure of your retina, or if you have a general health condition that affects your retina (like certain brain diseases), you would not be able to join this study, whether you have an inherited eye condition or healthy eyes.

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 have an inherited eye condition affecting my retina.
My vision in at least one eye is quite poor (worse than 20/400).
I have had a detailed eye scan called an OCT scan.
I do not have other major eye diseases impacting my vision.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

Taking part in this study is quite simple. There are no direct visits involved as it's a 'retrospective' study, meaning doctors will look at information and scans you've already had as part of your routine eye care. You won't need to take any new medication or have any extra tests. The study will mainly involve doctors reviewing your existing medical records and eye scans (specifically, your OCT scans) to see if you meet the criteria. There is no specific duration for your direct involvement, as they are simply using existing information.

Potential risks and benefits

There are no direct medical risks to you from participating in this study as it only involves reviewing your existing medical records and scans; no new tests or procedures are performed. The main benefit is that your information will help scientists better understand who might be suitable for future breakthrough treatments aimed at restoring vision for people with inherited eye conditions. You are always free to decide not to have your medical records included in the study, and this decision will not affect your future medical care.

Locations (9)

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

University of California San Francisco, Department of Ophthalmology
Verified postcode
San Francisco, United States· Recruiting
Bascom Palmer Eye Institute
Verified postcode
Miami, United States· Recruiting
University of Pittsburgh, Department of Ophthalmology
Verified postcode
Pittsburgh, United States· Recruiting
Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology
Verified postcode
Beijing, China· Recruiting
Universitätsklinikum Tübingen Augenklinik
Verified postcode
Tübingen, Germany· Recruiting
Semmelweis University, Department of Ophthalmology
Verified postcode
Budapest, Hungary· Recruiting
Oculista Ospedale Parma
Verified postcode
Parma, Italy· Recruiting
University Hospital Basel, Eye Clinic
Verified postcode
Basel, Switzerland· Recruiting
Moorfields Eye Hospital
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is an OCT scan?

An OCT scan is a common and painless eye test that takes detailed pictures of the back of your eye, showing the different layers of your retina.

Will I get any treatment in this study?

No, this study is not a treatment study. It's a research study that uses existing eye scans to understand who might benefit from future treatments.

What are 'dormant cones'?

Dormant cones are light-sensing cells in the eye that are still alive but not working properly, like they're 'asleep'. Future treatments aim to 'wake them up'.

Do I need to visit a clinic for this study?

No, this study reviews existing medical records and scans, so you will not need to make any new clinic visits.

Will my personal data be kept private?

Yes, all your information will be handled confidentially and used only for research purposes, following strict privacy rules.

How to find out more

Lucas Janeschitz-Kriegl, MD

lucas.janeschitz@iob.ch +41787494373 Official trial record

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