Albinism

Researchers are evaluating Autologous Adipose Cell Therapy to improve skin rejuvenation and hair restoration. This therapy aims to overcome the limitations of traditional fat grafting and dermal fillers by isolating early-stage fat cells for better distribution and longer-lasting effects. The study focuses on assessing the safety, feasibility, and effectiveness of this therapy for conditions like wrinkles, fine lines, skin elasticity loss, pigmentation, hair thinning, and hair loss. Participants will receive the Autologous Adipose Cells therapy treatment, which involves processing fat cells from their own body to enhance skin and hair appearance. The therapy is monitored by the primary investigator for up to 25 weeks to evaluate outcomes. This study includes only one treatment group receiving this biological intervention. During the study, participants will undergo various assessments including imaging, satisfaction surveys, and evaluation reports from the first visit before treatment through the last follow-up visit between weeks 16 and 25. The plastic surgeon will monitor treatment effects and safety over a six-month period. The total involvement spans from initial treatment to multiple follow-ups to track skin and hair improvements and participant satisfaction.

Researchers are developing and testing an 8-week group therapy program that combines cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with mindfulness techniques tailored for people adjusting to vision loss. The study aims to create an effective approach to help individuals cope with the emotional and psychological challenges related to vision impairment. The initial phase involves gathering input from focus groups and expert panels to shape the therapy curriculum. During the study, participants will first attend up to two focus group sessions to provide feedback on the therapy content. Following this, a pilot phase will involve 15-20 participants attending weekly group therapy sessions either in person or virtually, based on the developed 8-week curriculum. The therapy combines CBT and mindfulness practices designed specifically for vision loss adjustment. Participants will complete surveys and assessments before and after the therapy, including questions about their vision, demographic information, and experiences related to vision loss. The research team will measure changes in participants' adaptation to vision loss, depression levels, and anxiety before and after the intervention. The total participation period includes the initial feedback sessions and the 8-week therapy program.

Researchers are exploring a new multisensory rehabilitation approach for people with profound visual impairment, particularly those with ultra low vision. This study aims to fill gaps in current vision rehabilitation methods after treatments for end-stage eye diseases, aiming to improve functional abilities and quality of life for participants. The trial is interventional and evaluates two types of training programs designed to enhance sensory integration and residual vision use. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two training programs. One group receives Visual Information Training focused on improving the use of remaining vision to support daily activities. The other group undergoes Multimodal Training that teaches how to combine information from multiple senses to boost functional performance. Both trainings are behavioral interventions delivered during the study. Throughout the study, participants will be assessed at the start, and then after 1, 3, and 6 months to measure changes in visual ability, hand-eye coordination, and hearing ability. These assessments help track how well the training supports sensory function and overall visual performance. The study runs until July 2026, with ongoing evaluations to understand the impact of these rehabilitation strategies.

Researchers are studying early visual function in infants who may develop cerebral visual impairment due to brain or eye-related problems. The study focuses on babies from neonatal age up to 36 months old who are at risk because of conditions like brain lesions or ocular diseases. This pilot study aims to better understand how vision develops in these young patients over time. The study observes infants without testing any treatments or interventions. Researchers will assess visual abilities and correlate these findings with brain MRI results to understand the relationship between brain structure and vision function. Participants will be followed and evaluated regularly over a period of five years to track their visual development and neurological status. During the study, infants will undergo visual function assessments and brain imaging evaluations. The researchers will collect data on visual performance scores and compare them with MRI results to better understand visual impairment risks. The total participation includes assessments up to 36 months of age, with long-term follow-up planned for five years to monitor outcomes and correlations between visual function and brain health.

This research aims to improve visual health knowledge and access among children and adolescents aged 3 to under 18 with intellectual disabilities or developmental delays. It addresses challenges faced by this group in receiving medical information and preventive care due to communication barriers and limited support tools. The program includes developing easy-to-read materials and inclusive technologies to support education and early detection of visual health issues. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: standard visual health education using conventional materials with instructor explanations, Easy-to-Read instructor-guided education with simplified images and plain language, or Easy-to-Read audio-based self-learning using a voice-assisted pen device for independent study. The study involves an initial pre-assessment phase, followed by a pre-test, instructional phase, and post-test, all within a one-month window. Throughout the study, participants will undergo assessments including adaptive behavior scales, cognitive or developmental evaluations, and visual tests. Researchers will measure improvements in eye health knowledge using pre- and post-tests. The study also monitors participants' comprehension and allows a repeat instructional session if needed. The total participation includes a 50-minute baseline assessment and same-day instructional and testing sessions lasting about 20 minutes.

This research aims to investigate the relationship between blood serum biomarkers and how patients with diabetic macular edema (DME) respond to treatments with anti-VEGF or dexamethasone implants. The study compares these treatments to a group of patients who have not previously received treatment for DME. Researchers will also assess eye imaging markers using OCT scans to better understand this condition. Participants will be divided into three groups: those receiving anti-VEGF treatment, those receiving dexamethasone implants, and those who are treatment-naive. Blood samples will be taken at the start for all groups, and again after four weeks for the untreated group. OCT scans of the retina and choroid will be performed at baseline and after four weeks to evaluate specific imaging markers related to DME. During the study, participants will undergo blood tests to measure levels of several biomarkers including VEGF, IL-6, IL-8, MCP-1, Ang-2, PlGF, TNF-a, and ICAM-1. OCT scans will be analyzed for retinal layer disruptions and fluid presence. Researchers will classify participants based on their response to treatment and monitor changes over the four-week period. The total participation time varies based on group and treatment status.

This observational study aims to prospectively evaluate the individual burden of nine rare skin diseases by assessing various aspects of disability, including psychological, social, economic, and physical impacts on patients and their families. The goal is to gain a comprehensive understanding of how these conditions affect daily life and care needs. The study uses two main indicators: first, an individual burden score derived from a specially designed questionnaire that patients or their families complete as a self-assessment to track changes in care and lifestyle; second, a descriptive analysis of all medical and non-medical resources used by the family to manage the disease. These tools help capture the broad impact of the diseases over time. Participants will be followed for an average of five years, during which researchers will collect data through surveys completed by patients and parents, monitor quality-of-life changes, validate clinical severity scores where needed, and analyze socioeconomic and healthcare costs. The study focuses on detailed evaluations of burden scores and their association with disease severity, aiming to provide a deep insight into the challenges faced by individuals affected by these rare skin diseases.

Falls are a major health concern for older adults, especially those with glaucoma who experience peripheral vision loss that affects their mobility and balance. This research evaluates a new, enjoyable video game-based intervention designed to improve movement and postural control in glaucoma patients with moderate to severe peripheral vision loss. The study aims to reduce fall risk and improve quality of life by incorporating this intervention into existing vision and balance rehabilitation programs. This clinical trial randomly assigns 56 glaucoma patients with stable peripheral vision loss to two groups. One group participates in 20 sessions of standing, physically interactive action video-game training using a Nintendo Switch, with games involving muscle stretching and strengthening exercises, conducted twice weekly for 10 weeks. The other group receives 20 sessions of conventional physical training, also lasting 45 minutes twice per week for 10 weeks. Both interventions are compared to assess their effects on mobility and balance. Participants will be evaluated before starting, after 10 sessions, and after 20 sessions. Assessments include a primary mobility test combining walking and timed up and go tasks, as well as secondary tests of static and dynamic balance, visual cognition, reaction time, cognitive reflection, and questionnaires on fear of falling and quality of life. The study includes regular monitoring of participant progress over the 10-week intervention period.

Researchers are evaluating whether visual stimulation using images displayed on a computer screen can help improve peripheral vision loss in patients with hemianopsia caused by stroke or brain injury. This study aims to understand if stimulating the visual field can aid in recovering peripheral vision by examining changes after using visual programs. The research is important as many stroke survivors experience visual field deficits, impacting daily life and safety. Participants are assigned to one of two groups based on their birth year. One group will watch 15 minutes of online news three times a week for two months, serving as a control. The other group will view a 15-minute PowerPoint program containing moving objects and targets designed to stimulate the visual field with the goal of improving vision. After two months, the groups switch treatments for another two months, with participants able to opt out if they prefer to continue the PowerPoint program. During the study, participants undergo visual field testing using Humphrey automated perimetry at the start, after two months, and after four months. This test measures the visual field index to assess any changes in vision. Researchers also collect detailed patient information including stroke history, neurological diagnosis, and lifestyle factors. The study monitors visual recovery progress and compares the effects of the PowerPoint stimulation against the control viewing activity over time.

Researchers are investigating ways to help adults with visual field deficits caused by damage to the primary visual cortex, often due to stroke. This study aims to develop and improve a rehabilitation program using visual training combined with noninvasive brain stimulation to promote recovery of vision in the affected blind areas. The trial involves participants with different types of strokes and will assess improvements in visual abilities using standard visual field tests and motion discrimination tasks. Participants will be assigned to one of several groups receiving different interventions: visual training with transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS), sham stimulation with visual training, tRNS alone without training, sham stimulation without training, or visual training using virtual reality combined with tRNS. Treatments involve daily 20 to 30-minute sessions over two weeks, where brain stimulation is delivered via electrodes placed on the scalp over the visual cortex, while participants perform visual motion tasks on a computer or in a VR headset. Throughout the study, participants will undergo assessments including visual field tests, questionnaires to measure quality of life, and electrophysiological recordings to monitor neural responses. Safety and side effects will be closely monitored daily during sessions, with a licensed physician available for any concerns. The study includes follow-up evaluations up to six months after treatment to measure lasting effects. Participants will be tracked and supported to complete scheduled visits and assessments over the study period.