The Focal Electro-Oculogram in Macular Disease
Condition: Macular Degeneration; Age-Related Macular Degeneration
MeSH terms: Macular Degeneration
Study type: Observational

Summary: 
      Background:

      - Maculopathies are eye conditions that affect the center of the retina. Retina health
      depends on the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), a layer behind the retina. A new test may
      measure the health of the central retina and RPE.

      Objective:

      - To use the focal electro-oculogram (EOG) test to understand how the central retina and RPE
      are affected in maculopathies.

      Eligibility:

        -  People at least 10 years old with a maculopathy.

        -  Healthy volunteers with visual acuity of 20/20 or better in at least one eye.

      Design:

        -  Participants will be screened with medical and eye history and an eye exam. Pictures
           will be taken of the eyes.

        -  Their eyes may be dilated.

        -  They may have a field test. They will look into a lens and press a button when they see
           a light. First, they may sit in the dark for 40 minutes.

        -  Participants will have 1-7 visits over 18 months.

        -  Their vision will be tested and eye pressure measured.

        -  Their pupils will be dilated with eye drops and researchers may take pictures of the
           retina and the inside of the eye, and measure the thickness of the retina.

        -  Participants will have an electro-oculogram. They will look at a 2 LED lights and follow
           them back and forth for 10 seconds once per minute. Participants will be in darkness for
           15 minutes and in light for 20 minutes. One skin electrode will be placed on the nose
           and one next to the eye.

        -  Participants with maculopathy will also have:

        -  Field test.

        -  Electroretinogram. Participants will get numbing eye drops and special contact lenses. A
           small metal electrode will be taped to the forehead. Participants will watch flashing
           lights and try not to blink. First, they may sit in the dark for 40 minutes.
    

Detailed description: 
      OBJECTIVE:

      The objective of this protocol is to investigate the local response of the retinal pigment
      epithelium (RPE) across the posterior pole of the eye by recording the focal electrooculogram
      (EOG) in participants with macular disease.

      STUDY POPULATION:

      Up to 50 healthy volunteers and 80 participants, age 10 or older, with macular disorders
      affecting the retina/retinal pigment epithelium complex. Examples of such macular disorders
      include Stargardt s disease and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

      DESIGN:

      This single-center, observational, case-control study will be comprised of three related
      aims. The first aim is focused on developing the focal EOG method which will require
      parameter optimization. The second aim is focused on establishing the normal range and
      variability of the focal EOG in normal volunteers. The third aim is to examine the focal EOG
      in participants with macular disease.

      OUTCOME MEASURES:

      The primary outcome for this study is to develop a method for recording the focal EOG. The
      secondary outcome will be to establish the normal range for the focal EOG and determine the
      inter-session and intra-session variabilities of this test. Exploratory outcomes include: 1)
      to examine the focal EOG in participants with macular diseases and 2) determine the
      inter-session and intra-session variabilities of this test in participants with macular
      diseases.
    

Observational model: Case-Control
Time perspective: Prospective
Sampling method: Non-Probability Sample
Study population: 
        Up to 50 healthy volunteers and 80 participants, age 10 or older, with macular disease;
        examples of such disorders include Stargardt s disease and age-related macular degeneration
        (AMD). NIH employees meeting the eligibility criteria may participate in this study.
      
Keywords: Retinal Images; Retinal Pigment Epithelium; Natural History