NCT05626426 · Stanford University
Electrical Stimulation for the Treatment of Optic Neuropathies
(rtACS)
What this study is about
The overall aim of this study is to see whether long-term electrical stimulation with a home-stimulation device works well and is safe for the treatment of open-angle glaucoma. Open-Angle Glaucoma is a disease where the nerves in the back of your eye die off faster than expected regardless of your eye pressure.
View original scientific description
The overall aim of this study is to see whether long-term electrical stimulation with a home-stimulation device works well and is safe for the treatment of open-angle glaucoma. Open-Angle Glaucoma is a disease where the nerves in the back of your eye die off faster than expected regardless of your eye pressure.
Interventions
DEVICE
Repetitive, Transorbital Alternating Current Stimulation (rtACS)
Patients receive treatment every other day via a headband that delivers electrical stimulation to the retina
Primary outcome measures
Change from baseline in visual field assessed by Humphrey Visual Field Index (VFI).
Time frame: Baseline through 6 months
Change from baseline in visual field assessed by Humphrey Mean Deviation (MD).
Time frame: Baseline through 6 months
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Participant must be at least 18.
- Participant must has the ability to comply with the requirements of the study and complete the schedule of events (SOE).
- Participant's clinical diagnosis must be consistent with glaucoma characterized by the following features: Mean deviation (MD) worse than -3 on Humphrey Visual Field 24-2 testing. Reliable visual field measures, fixation losses do not exceed 20% and false postivies do not exeed 20%.
- In the opinion of the investigator the participant's eye pressure must be clinically stable.
- If a participant has two eyes meeting study criteria, the worse eye as determined by mean deviation. If both eyes qualify and have the same MD, the patient may choose which eye they are willing to enter, or else a randomization procedure will assign one eye to the study.
- Participant must understand and sign the informed consent. If the participant's vision is impaired to the point where he/she cannot read the informed consent document, the document will be read to the participant in its entirety.
Exclusion criteria
- Participant is unable to comply with study procedures or follow-up visits.
- Participant has a history of ocular herpes zoster.
- Participant has pathological nystagmus
- Participant has evidence of visually significant retinopathy including but not limited to Diabetic retinopathy or retinitis pigmentosa.
- Participant has evidence of corneal opacification or lack of optical clarity.
- Participant has uveitis or other ocular inflammatory disease.
- Participant has any electric or electroinc implants such as a pacemaker.
- Participant has acute conjunctivitis.
- Participant has acute autoimmune disease.
- Participant is pregnant or lactating.
- Participant has, in the opinion of the investigator, any physical or mental condition that would increase the risk of participation in the study or may interfere with the study procedures, evaluations and outcome assessments. Including but not limited to all forms of dementia.
- Unresected brain tumors
- Implanted intracranial magnetic metals (metallic implants in the head / skull such as clamps, coils, ventriculo-peritoneal shunts, endoprostheses, etc.), which are not MRI-compatible. Note: metallic dental implants and titanium screws or plates are acceptable
- Patients with any skin damage.
- Children and comatose patients.
- Patients with history of epileptic seizure within the last 10 years.
- Patients with uncontrolled systemic hypertension or uncontrolled diabetes.
- Participant is not able to travel, to comply with the requirements of the study or not willing to complete the schedule of events (SOE) and/or unable to confirm follow-up participation
- Prior participation in a vision training/stimulation study in the last 12 months
Where
- Palo Alto, California
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jul 8, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations