Recruiting

Home-based electrical stimulation to improve vision in optic neuropathy

Plain-English translation of NCT06662448 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated February 2026 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.

What is this trial?

This study is testing a treatment called repetitive transorbital alternating current stimulation (rtACS), which uses gentle electrical current applied near your eyes to help improve vision. The treatment is designed for people who have optic neuropathy—a condition where the nerve connecting the eye to the brain is damaged, causing vision loss. Researchers want to see if doing this treatment at home can help slow or reverse vision problems and make it easier for you to do daily activities.

Optic neuropathy often causes progressive vision loss that affects a person's independence and quality of life, and there are limited treatment options available. This study is testing whether electrical stimulation might be a safe and effective way to help restore vision and functional ability in people living with this condition.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are 18 years old or older
you have been diagnosed with optic neuropathy with vision loss in at least one eye
you have a permanent residence and can commit to 8 weeks of treatment sessions every other day
your vision is at least 20/400 (with correction) in at least one eye
you are able to attend initial training sessions in the office and can reliably complete at-home sessions, or have a caregiver to help you

You likely don't qualify if…

you have very high eye pressure (over 27 mmHg) or unstable eye pressure
you have electronic implants like a pacemaker or metallic implants in your head or body (with some exceptions like dental implants)
you have epilepsy or a condition that causes uncontrollable eye movements (nystagmus)
you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant
you have uncontrolled high blood pressure, uncontrolled diabetes, or other unstable medical conditions that might prevent you from attending all appointments

What participation looks like

You'll have 30 stimulation sessions over 8 weeks. The first two sessions happen in the office—one the day after your baseline visit, and another 48 hours later. Then you'll do 28 sessions at home every other day for the remaining 8 weeks. Each session involves applying electrical stimulation near your eyes using a device. You'll also attend a baseline visit, a visit right after treatment ends, and two follow-up visits to check how you're doing and measure any changes in your vision and daily functioning.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 13, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(1 site)

United States

NYU Langone Health, New York, New York