Biofeedback for Nystagmus

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Overseen BySamuel Markowitz, MD

Age: < 18

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Recruiting

Sponsor: Monica Daibert Nido

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?This trial tests a new technique to help infants with uncontrolled eye movements improve their vision. The technique uses visual and audio cues to teach better eye control, aiming to make vision clearer and more stable. The study will see if this method can help these patients see better at different distances. This technique has been used in visual training to help patients become aware of their eye movements and improve certain eye conditions.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for individuals diagnosed with Infantile Idiopathic Nystagmus (IIN) who can follow visual and auditory instructions. It's not suitable for those with eye conditions that affect testing, inability to perform during tests, or other types of nystagmus besides IIN.

Inclusion Criteria

You have been diagnosed with infantile idiopathic nystagmus (IIN).

Ability to follow the visual and auditory stimuli and training instructions

Exclusion Criteria

Both of your eyes have cloudy areas that make it hard to do a certain type of eye test.

You cannot complete the required tests and training.

You have eye conditions that are not related to nystagmus.

+2 more

Participant Groups

The study is evaluating Biofeedback Training (BT), a new technique in low vision rehabilitation aimed at improving eye movement control. Participants will be compared to a control group receiving simulated BT to measure the effectiveness of the real intervention.

2Treatment groups

Active Control

Placebo Group

Group I: Group A (treatment)Active Control1 Intervention

Each session includes 20 minutes of training each with rest as needed. The procedure involves presentation of a standard LED fixation target (FT) consisting of a small red circle of about 0.76° diameter. A fixation training target (FTT) will be selected by the trainer at a perceived better fixation point. Initially the participant will be instructed to stare at the FT circle. Following this stage the participant will be guided to look in the direction of the FTT and listen simultaneously to the audio feedback. As performing this task, the participant will actively control the eye movements until the audio feedback becomes more frequent and then becomes a continuous sound pattern. This continuous sound will signalize to the patient that the FTT location was reached. Participants will be given take-home efficiency reading exercises.

Group II: Group B (control)Placebo Group1 Intervention

The simulated biofeedback training for Group B involves the following procedure: For four weeks, presentation of a C10-2 microperimetry program. The procedure involves presentation of a standard LED fixation target (FT) consisting of a small red circle of about 0.76° diameter. Initially the participant will be instructed to stare at the FT circle. Following this stage the participant will be guided to look at the FT and simultaneously to be aware of any flashing lights in the periphery of vision. As performing this task, the participant will actively control the eye movements and similar to computer games, the patient has to identify targets in the peripheral field of vision and respond by pressing a button. Participants will be given take-home efficiency reading exercises.