Factors in Learning And Plasticity: Macular Degeneration (FLAP)
Central Visual Impairment, Macular Degeneration
About this trial
This is an interventional basic science trial for Central Visual Impairment focused on measuring plasticity, central vision loss, perceptual learning
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
- Aged 18-89
- Severely impaired vision in both eyes (20/100 or worse)
- diagnosis of Macular Degeneration by an Ophthalmologist
- Light sensitivity in the macular retina that is at least 10 dB units worse than in peripheral regions, as demonstrated by a scanning laser ophthalmoscope (MAIA)
- Medical record review indicating this level of disease severity has been present for at least 2 years
Exclusion Criteria:
- Pacemaker or any ferromagnetic metal implanted in their body
- Metal of any type implanted in their head (limited dental work is acceptable)
- Claustrophobia
- Being hearing-impaired
- Weight over 300 pounds
- Maximum body girth over 60 inches
- Previous serious head injury
- Presence of hallucinations or delusions
- Excessive old, or colorful tattoos, especially near the head
- Pregnancy
- Braces/permanent retainer
Sites / Locations
- UABRecruiting
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Experimental
Experimental
Training visual sensitivity
Combination training
A standard Perceptual Learning approach to train early visual processes of discriminating the orientation of Gabor patches presented at threshold- level contrast. Preliminary data, using this method, in normally seeing and MD participants show both feasibility and preliminary evidence that this training gives rise to improvements in acuity.
In combination training, investigators test the extent to which a combined training gives rise to the joint benefits of each training individually, or integrative benefits potentially surpassing benefits of the individual training alone. The visual sensitivity task will alternate across blocks with the spatial integration task, using the timing of targets and location switches from spatial attention training.