ASSESSING STATUS OF VISUAL CORTEX IN PATIENTS WITH MACULAR DISEASE 1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
ASSESSING THE STATUS OF VISUAL CORTEX IN PATIENTS WITH MACULAR DISEASE
IRAS ID
158456
Contact name
Antony B Morland
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 8 months, 29 days
Research summary
Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in the UK. The loss of macular vision in both eyes means that a significant proportion of the visual brain no longer receives input. Our research has shown that the region of the visual brain that no longer receives input reduces in volume suggesting degeneration of this tissue. This is a concern because the success of treatments to restore retinal function (with stem cell or gene therapy or visual prosthetics) may ultimately be limited by degenerative changes in the brain. In this proposal we wish to track the changes in brain anatomy and function over time in patients with AMD and central visual field loss in both eyes. This will allow us to determine the rate at which the brain changes structurally and functionally. We will also attempt to slow the rate of, or prevent, structural and functional change in the visual cortex by applying a safe and clinically approved neurostimulation technique, transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS). The aims therefore are to determine the time window over which the visual brain remains viable and whether it can be extended with a safe and inexpensive treatment. Our intended outcome is to ensure that brain can remain viable so that treatments that restore retinal function are successful.
REC name
North West - Liverpool Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/NW/0103
Date of REC Opinion
26 Mar 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion