NCT06047717 · University of Rochester
Vision Loss Impact on Navigation in Virtual Reality
What this study is about
The purpose of this research is to better understand the impact of cortically-induced blindness (CB) and the compensatory strategies subjects with this condition may develop on naturalistic behaviors, specifically, driving. Using a novel Virtual Reality (VR) program, the researchers will gather data on steering behavior in a variety of simulated naturalistic environments.
View original scientific description
The purpose of this research is to better understand the impact of cortically-induced blindness (CB) and the compensatory strategies subjects with this condition may develop on naturalistic behaviors, specifically, driving. Using a novel Virtual Reality (VR) program, the researchers will gather data on steering behavior in a variety of simulated naturalistic environments. Through the combined use of computer vision, deep learning, and gaze-contingent manipulations of the visual field, this work will test the central hypothesis that changes to visually guided steering behaviors in CB are a consequence of changes to the visual sampling and processing of task-related motion information (i.e., optic flow).
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
- Residents of the United States or Canada
- Presence of one-sided stroke or stroke-like damage to primary visual cortex or its immediate afferent white matter sustained within the specified age range of 21 - 75 years (verified by MRI and/or CT scans)
- Reliable visual field defects in both eyes (homonymous defects) as measured by Humphrey or equivalent perimetry.
- Willing, able, and competent to provide their own informed consent
- Cognitively able, responsible to understand written and oral instructions in English
- Emmetropic or else wear corrective contact lenses inside the virtual reality headset
Exclusion criteria
- Those who have never driven or earned a drivers' license
- Past or present ocular disease interfering with visual acuity
- Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) worse than 20/40 in either eye
- Sustained damage to the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus
- Presence of diffuse, whole-brain degenerative processes
- Presence of brain damage deemed by study staff to potentially interfere with outcome measures
- History of traumatic brain injury
- Documented history of drug/alcohol abuse
- Diagnosis of cognitive or seizure disorders
- Diagnosis of one-sided attentional neglect Control Group: Inclusion Criteria:
- Normal or corrected-to-normal vision, who are between the ages of 21 and 75 years of age, roughly matched to the age of CB subjects enrolled above
- Competent and responsible, as determined by the Principal Investigator
- Willing, able, and competent to provide their own informed consent
- Normal cognitive abilities, be able to understand written and oral instructions in English
- Emmetropic or else wear corrective contact lenses inside the virtual reality headset Exclusion Criteria:
- Subjects who have never driven or earned a drivers' license
- BCVA worse than 20/40 in either eye
- Presence of vision loss from ocular diseases or disorders
- Presence of a visual field defect
- Inability to wear corrective contact lenses inside the virtual reality helmet if required to see clearly
- Subjects with a history of neurological disorders
- Subjects with a history of TBI
- Persons who lack the competence or are otherwise unable to perform the visual testing as directed.
Where
- Rochester, New York
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 Jan 9, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations