CLIRP
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A pilot, randomised, masked study to investigate the effect of coloured light on colour contrast thresholds in retinitis pigmentosa.
IRAS ID
333916
Contact name
Hannah Dunbar
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University College London
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 10 months, 0 days
Research summary
Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) is a group of inherited eye conditions which cause progressive degeneration of the light sensitive cells at the back of the eye (the retina). There are no treatments available for the vast majority of people with RP. Affected people initially lose side vision, retaining the ability to see detail. Over years, the detailed vision also deteriorates causing severe sight impairment (blindness).
Researchers have previously shown that exposure to red light delays retinal degeneration in animals with RP and light improves retinal function, measured by colour contrast sensitivity, in healthy human adults.
In this study we ask whether red light produces an improvement in colour contrast vision in people with RP, with the ultimate aim of preventing or delaying central visual loss in people with RP.
We will recruit 70 people with RP from the genetic eye disease clinics at Moorfields Eye Hospital where all study visits will take place. All participants will be randomly assigned to either a treatment or control group, each with 35 participants. All participants will have their colour contrast vision measured. Those in the treatment group will be provided with a red torch and be instructed to apply the torch to one eye for 3 minutes each morning for 28 days between the hours of 8 - 10 am. Those in the control group will be provided with a green torch to use similarly. All participants will keep a simple diary, recording each day they apply the torch to their eye. At the end of the 28 days, all participants will have a repeat colour contrast vision test. By comparing the difference in cone colour contrast after 28 days between the treatment and control groups, we will discover whether red light improves colour contrast vision in people with RP.
REC name
South East Scotland REC 02
REC reference
24/SS/0043
Date of REC Opinion
19 Jun 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion